Best Buy Class Action Lawsuit, California Shoppers Say Retailer Used Fake “Sale” Prices to Trick Them Into Paying More
What the Best Buy Class Action Lawsuit Alleges
A class action lawsuit filed January 6, 2025, in California federal court claims Best Buy engaged in a false discount advertising scheme for TVs and major appliances since February 2023. Four California residents allege the retailer advertises perpetual discounts from inflated “Was” prices that were never the actual selling prices.
The lawsuit alleges Best Buy violates California’s consumer protection laws by displaying fake reference prices to make shoppers think they’re getting better deals than they actually are.
If you bought a TV or major appliance from Best Buy in California with an advertised discount since February 2023, you might be part of this class action.
The Purchase That Started It All
Leroy and Allegra Porchia saw a washer and dryer advertised at Best Buy as discounted from “Was” prices of $1,034.99 and $1,124.99. They purchased the items for $849.99 and $949.99, believing they secured a bargain. However, investigations revealed the washer and dryer were consistently offered at lower prices in preceding months, and the advertised “Was” prices were never the regular selling prices.
Another plaintiff, Marilyn Kay, visited a Best Buy store in December 2023 to purchase a washing machine. The price placard showed an LG washer originally priced at $1,099.99, marked down to $799.99 for a “limited time.” Her lawsuit alleges this washer had been continuously offered at the $799.99 “sale price” for at least three months prior, and Best Buy never actually sold it for $1,099.99.
This isn’t about one confused shopper. This is about a systematic pricing scheme affecting California consumers statewide.
How Best Buy’s Pricing System Allegedly Works
Best Buy advertises perpetual or near-perpetual discounts on products. These discounts are taken from Best Buy’s advertised reference prices, which are presented as Best Buy’s own regular selling prices. However, the advertised regular prices are allegedly false because the products are never or almost never offered at the supposed regular price.
Best Buy prefaces the reference prices with the word “Was” (e.g., “Was $3,799.99”) to indicate that the higher reference price was Best Buy’s previous and regular selling price for the product. In order confirmation emails, Best Buy describes the higher reference price as the “Reg” price.
The lawsuit claims Best Buy creates urgency by marking offers as “limited time” with specific end dates, even though these “sales” continue indefinitely or are immediately replaced by identical promotions.
What Products Are Covered
The lawsuit specifically targets:
TVs: All television models advertised with discounts
Major Appliances:
- Refrigerators
- Ranges
- Dishwashers
- Microwaves
- Wall ovens
- Cooktops
- Freezers
- Washers
- Dryers
A separate investigation focuses on three specific TCL TV models sold between 2023-2024: the TCL 65″ Class 6-Series Mini-LED QLED (model 65R646), the TCL 75″ Class 6-Series 4K UHD Mini-LED QLED Dolby Vision HDR Roku Smart TV (model 75R635), and the TCL 85″ Class 4-Series LED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (model 85S446).
Who Can Join This Class Action Lawsuit
The lawsuit seeks to represent a class of California consumers who purchased one or more products (TVs or major appliances) advertised with a discount since February 2, 2023.
You may qualify if you:
- Made your purchase while in California
- Bought a TV or major appliance from Best Buy
- Saw an advertised discount with a “Was” or reference price
- Made your purchase on or after February 2, 2023
The class covers purchases made both in Best Buy retail stores and on bestbuy.com.
The Legal Claims Against Best Buy
The plaintiffs claim Best Buy’s false discount advertising violates California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act (CLRA), False Advertising Law (FAL), and Unfair Competition Law (UCL).
The lawsuit references Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations, which prohibit fictitious pricing and deceptive discount practices.
According to the FTC’s Guides Against Deceptive Pricing, if a company advertises a discount using the product’s former price as a point of comparison, that former price must have been “the actual, bona fide price” at which the item was sold on a regular basis for a “reasonably substantial period of time.”
What Damages Are Being Sought
The plaintiffs seek restitution and disgorgement (refunds for overpayments and disgorgement of profits derived from the deceptive pricing scheme) and public injunctive relief (an order requiring Best Buy to cease its false advertising practices to protect consumers and promote fair competition).
Consumers pay more for products than they would have if the discounts were genuine. The plaintiffs argue they did not receive the benefits of the discounts Best Buy promised them and that the products were not worth the amount Best Buy represented to them.
No specific dollar amount has been announced yet, but the lawsuit seeks monetary relief for the entire class of affected California consumers.
Current Status of the Lawsuit
Case Number: 4:25-cv-00134 (also referenced as Case No. 3:25-cv-00134)
Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
Filed: January 6, 2025
Plaintiffs: Leroy Porchia, Allegra Porchia, Marilyn Kaye, and Aaron Lamoree
Plaintiff Attorneys: Daniel M. Hattis and Paul Karl Lukacs of Hattis & Lukacs
Status: Active litigation; class certification pending
The case is in its early stages. Best Buy has not yet filed a formal response to the allegations.
Best Buy’s History With Consumer Protection Cases
This isn’t Best Buy’s first consumer protection issue.
In a previous case, without admitting liability, Best Buy agreed to pay $558,570 in civil costs and penalties and $75,000 in restitution. The violation involved a failure to include signage at every check-out stand in every California store as was required by a 2013 injunction. The signs, in English and Spanish, were to offer $3 off for every pricing error or to give the item for free if it was advertised at $3 or less.
In April 2023, another class action lawsuit alleged Best Buy uses its “Price Match Guarantee” as a bait-and-switch tactic, maintaining an unstated policy of not honoring price matches when customers request them.
The Retail Fake Discount Trend
Best Buy isn’t alone. Countless retailers have recently faced class action lawsuits over their alleged use of fake original prices to create the illusion of a discount, including Old Navy, JCPenney, Kohl’s, Pillow Cube, Hobby Lobby, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Sunglass Hut, Brooks Brothers Factory stores, and Macy’s.
The lawsuits point to academic studies showing that false reference prices distort consumer decision-making, artificially increasing demand and inflating the perceived value of a product.
These cases share a common thread: retailers allegedly inflate “original” prices to make perpetual sales appear like limited-time bargains.
How to Protect Yourself From Fake Discounts
Watch for red flags like perpetual “limited-time” offers that never end, unusually high original prices compared to competitors, suspiciously round discount percentages (like everything being exactly 30% off), and a lack of price variation over time.
Use price tracking tools and compare prices across multiple retailers to identify deceptive pricing patterns.
Browser extensions like CamelCamelCamel, Honey, and Keepa can show price history and help verify whether advertised discounts are genuine.
What Happens Next in This Lawsuit
The plaintiffs will seek class certification from the court, allowing the case to proceed on behalf of all qualifying California consumers.
Discovery will begin, where attorneys request internal documents showing Best Buy’s pricing strategies and how long products were sold at various price points.
Best Buy will likely file a motion to dismiss or defend its pricing practices as legitimate.
If the case isn’t dismissed, it could proceed to settlement negotiations or trial.
Settlement approval and claims filing typically occur 1-2 years after a lawsuit is filed, though this timeline varies.
How to Join or Monitor This Case
Class certification is pending. You don’t need to do anything right now to be included if you qualify.
Track the case: Search for Case No. 4:25-cv-00134 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California’s PACER system.
Watch for official notice: If the class is certified, Best Buy will be required to notify eligible consumers by mail, email, or publication.
Document your purchases: Save receipts, order confirmations, and screenshots of advertised prices showing the “Was” reference price and sale price.
Contact the attorneys: Reach out to Hattis & Lukacs if you believe you have a claim.
Related Consumer Protection Resources
Learn about similar cases: V-Shred Lawsuit: $4M Settlement
Understand class actions: What is a RICO Lawsuit
Check active settlements: 10 Class Action Settlements You Can Claim
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I automatically get money if this lawsuit succeeds?
No. Even if the class is certified and a settlement is reached, you’ll need to file a claim form to receive compensation. Watch for official notice.
Can I still join if I don’t have my receipt?
It depends on the settlement terms. Some class actions accept credit card statements or sworn declarations. Save any documentation you have now.
What if I bought something from Best Buy outside California?
This specific lawsuit only covers California purchases. However, similar lawsuits could be filed in other states.
How much money could I get back?
It’s too early to know. Settlement amounts depend on how many people file claims, the total damages proven, and the settlement structure.
Does this affect Best Buy’s warranty or return policy?
No. This lawsuit only addresses pricing practices, not product quality, warranties, or returns.
Should I stop shopping at Best Buy?
That’s a personal decision. The lawsuit is about pricing transparency, not product quality or safety.
This article provides general information about the Best Buy class action lawsuit and should not be considered legal advice. For specific questions about your situation, consult with a qualified consumer protection attorney.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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