### A New Chance for AT&T Customers: Claim Your Share of the Settlement
In a welcome development for many affected users, the public now has an additional month to assert their claims in a significant data breach settlement against telecommunications giant AT&T. This settlement arises in the wake of two considerable breaches that compromised sensitive customer information.
### What Triggered the Settlement?
The first major breach surfaced in March 2024. AT&T revealed in a statement that this breach exposed a trove of personal data, including addresses, social security numbers, and account passcodes tied to customer accounts dating back to 2019. Just when it seemed the company was gaining control, a more extensive breach emerged later that year. This second catastrophic event affected nearly all AT&T customers whose communication logs—spanning from May 1 to October 31, 2022, and again on January 3, 2023—were unlawfully accessed.
### The Financial Repercussions
Following these incidents, courts ruled in June that AT&T would pay out $177 million to the myriad of affected customers from 2019 to 2024. The compensation structure is aimed at two distinct classes of users. Class one, composed of customers impacted by the March 2024 breach, will share $149 million, while class two, whose communication data was accessed during the second breach, will share another $28 million. Initial direct payments, amounting up to $5,000 for Class 1 and $2,500 for Class 2, have already been distributed to those who suffered verifiable financial losses directly tied to the breaches.
As this process unfolds, the remaining settlement funds have now opened up to all other affected users, giving them a substantial opportunity to claim compensation.
### Important Deadlines to Keep in Mind
For those looking to claim their portion of the AT&T settlement, a deadline looms on the horizon: December 18. Affected users should already have received notification regarding their eligibility, which includes a unique Class Member ID for the claim process. For those who do not wish to participate in the settlement, an option to opt out is available, but requests must be sent via postal mail no later than November 17.
### Steps to Claim Your Settlement
To successfully file a claim, affected customers need to utilize the [settlement claim form](https://att-prod-forms.ksacms.com/efiling/fr/eform/telecomdatasettlement_claimform/new?form-version=1&fr-wizard-page=section-1). It’s essential to have your Class Member ID ready, alongside other pertinent details like your AT&T account number, full name, and email address. Customers should also prepare to provide their payment method—whether via direct deposit or check—to ensure a smooth claim process.
### Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is primarily determined by two classes mandated in the lawsuit:
– **Class 1:** This group includes all individuals whose personal identification information was exposed during the March 2024 breach.
– **Class 2:** This group encompasses AT&T account holders or users whose phone numbers or communication data were compromised in the subsequent breach.
### How Much Can You Expect?
The compensation amount varies based on the extent of the data exposure:
– **Class 1:** Those with exposed Social Security Numbers (Tier 1) stand to receive a significantly higher payout than individuals without such exposure (Tier 2).
– **Class 2:** Users in this class who have not documented a financial loss will receive a share of the leftover settlement funds (Tier 3).
For individuals who have questions or need assistance, there’s a helpful hotline available at (833) 890-4930.
### Stay Informed
In light of these breaches, additional discussions around cybersecurity and customers’ rights are more crucial than ever. The AT&T data breach serves as a stark reminder of the digital vulnerabilities organizations face and the essential measures all of us need to take to protect our personal information.
Keep an eye on the official [settlement website](https://www.telecomdatasettlement.com/) for ongoing updates and ensure you take the necessary steps to reclaim your dues.
