A settlement has been reached in the case Valcarcel v. Beyond Illusion, LLC d/b/a Museum of Illusions New York, et al. (Index No. 655436/2024). The lawsuit claims that the Museum of Illusions New York charged online ticket buyers a hidden “processing fee” without properly disclosing it. While the defendants deny any wrongdoing, they have agreed to a $580,721 settlement fund to resolve the case.
If you purchased tickets online for the Museum of Illusions New York between August 29, 2022, and April 30, 2024, you may be eligible for compensation.
Who Is Eligible?
You are part of the settlement class if you:
- Bought tickets online through the Museum of Illusions New York website
- Paid a processing fee between August 29, 2022, and April 30, 2024
If this applies to you, you may receive a payment from the settlement fund by filing a claim.
What Does the Settlement Provide?
The settlement offers two types of relief:
- Monetary Relief
- A $580,721 Settlement Fund has been created.
- Payments to eligible class members, legal fees, administrative costs, and a $5,000 service award to the plaintiff will come out of this fund.
- Your payment will depend on how much you paid in processing fees compared to other class members (pro rata share).
- Prospective Relief
- The Museum of Illusions New York has updated its online ticket system.
- It now clearly discloses processing fees to comply with the law.
How Much Will You Be Paid?
The exact amount depends on the total number of valid claims filed. Each eligible class member will receive a pro rata share of the $580,721 settlement fund based on the fees they paid.
Payments will be issued via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, Virtual Prepaid Card, or check, depending on the option you select when filing your claim.
How to File a Claim
To receive payment, you must submit a valid Claim Form no later than January 2, 2026.
- Online Submission: Claim forms can be filed online through the official settlement website.
- By Mail: You may also mail a completed claim form, postmarked by January 2, 2026.
If you do not file a claim, you will not receive compensation but will still give up your right to sue over the same issue.
Payout Dates
- Final Approval Hearing: Scheduled for November 17, 2025 at the Supreme Court of the State of New York.
- If the court approves the settlement, payments will be made within 90 days after the judgment becomes final.
- Payments will expire if unclaimed after 180 days (for check payments).
This means eligible class members can expect to receive their payment sometime in early 2026, provided they file on time.
Your Options
- File a Claim: To get paid.
- Exclude Yourself: Deadline is October 17, 2025. If you opt out, you will not receive payment but keep the right to sue separately.
- Object: If you disagree with the settlement, you may file an objection by October 17, 2025.
- Do Nothing: You give up your rights and get no payment.
Legal Representation
The court has appointed Levi & Korsinsky LLP as class counsel. You do not need to pay for legal representation—they are paid from the settlement fund.
This settlement is a chance for ticket buyers to recover money spent on undisclosed processing fees. If you purchased tickets online from the Museum of Illusions New York during the eligible period, make sure to file your claim before January 2, 2026 to secure your payment.
For more details and official claim forms, visit the Museum of Illusions New York Ticket Fee Settlement website or contact the Settlement Administrator.
