Amazon and B&N Refunds

If you've recently received an email from Barnes & Noble or Amazon about a refund, you're not alone. Consumers who purchased ebooks between April 2010 and May 2012 are receiving store credits based on the number of ebooks purchased. Credits are also higher if any of the ebooks were bestsellers. 

The credits come as part of the fallout from the 2012 ebook price-fixing class action lawsuit involving Apple and the five major publishers. The publishers were accused of conspiring with Apple to raise ebook prices. As part of the settlement, the publishers have allowed the credits to be issued for any ebook purchases during that time period. Apple is appealing the ruling.

The credits were issued at the end of March. Check your inbox to see if you've received any emails from Amazon or B&N about the settlement. The credits can only be used on ebooks or print books, and they won't last forever: B&N's will expire on April 1, 2015, while Amazon's will expire on March 31, 2015.