A PART-TIME job or a side hustle are among the more common ways to earn some extra cash.
But, Americans have the chance to pocket a few extra dollar bills just by being in the right place at the right time.
A social media craze has gone viral that sees bundles of cash being stashed away in areas in cities across the US.
Sometimes, $50 could be tucked away at a spot near a metro station or the amount might be much larger.
One social media account is Find the Cash Boston, which launched in March, and those behind the platform hide bills at random spots within Massachusetts city.
Cash drops happen four times a week, according to Boston.com.
And those who want to participate in the game must crack a location clue before charging to where they think the money is.
Usually amounts up to $100 are dropped, but on August 11, content creators revealed the next cash drops would be worth $500 each.
And, the first bumper cash drop took place on August 15.
Fans were invited to suggest potential locations for the cash drop.
Locations that were touted included neighborhoods of West Roxbury and Dorchester.
Those behind the Boston idea say they want to create a “scavenger hunt” experience that’s both fun and exciting.
And, the group’s content has received almost three million views.
But, the idea has been rolled out across other cities.
There are Find The Cash accounts dedicated to money drops in Louisville, Miami and Atlanta.
In Atlanta, those who manage to find the bundle of money could pocket up to $250.
Meanwhile, those behind the Find the Cash program in Nashville have given out more than $8,000.
Some lucky players may not receive just cash payments.
That’s because game consoles or sports game tickets might also be up for grabs.
Secret cash drops have also taken place in Tyler, Texas – a city located around 98 miles from Dallas.
Cash bundles ranging from $10 to $40 were dropped at random spots, as reported by the local radio outlet Mix 93.1.
The U.S. Sun has reported on the different ways American can get their hands on free money.
Those eligible for certain settlements can apply for a check.
And, they don’t have to pay a fee when submitting their claims.
Fans of the soda drink Poppi can score a share from a $8.9 million settlement.
And, The U.S. Sun has compiled a list of seven settlements that can be applied for before August 31.
A settlement that doesn’t have an immediate deadline is linked to Capital One and a $425 million pot that is up for grabs.
What’s a class-action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or ‘classes,’ a way to band together in court.
These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.
When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.
These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.
