AT&T customers, both current and former, have recently gained attention due to a significant $177 million settlement stemming from two major data breaches. These breaches potentially impact at least 73 million individuals, exposing sensitive information including names, addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and even detailed records of communications.
However, to benefit from this settlement, impacted customers need to act quickly, as the deadline to file a claim is set for December 18. This article will delve into the circumstances triggering this settlement and what you need to know to secure your share.
What Prompted This Payout?
The journey to this settlement began in 2019 when hackers first breached AT&T’s security, successfully accessing a wealth of personal information. According to legal filings, sensitive details including names, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and customer account information were compromised.
This compromised data found its way onto the dark web in 2021, raising serious concerns about identity theft and fraud among AT&T customers. AT&T only acknowledged the breach in March 2024, revealing that it affected about 7.6 million current customers and 65.4 million former customers.
Compounding this issue, a second data breach was announced in July 2024. This incident revealed hackers had accessed detailed records of calls and texts from nearly all cellphone customers over a six-month timeframe in 2022. AT&T did clarify that the content of these communications was not included in the stolen data, but the breach remained a significant concern.
In response to these breaches, several customers filed federal class-action lawsuits in both Texas and Montana, leading to the eventual settlement reached earlier this year.
How Much Money Could I Get?
Determining the amount each claimant may receive can be complex and will ultimately depend on the number of people filing claims and the severity of each individual’s impact from the breaches. Claimants have the opportunity to document any losses incurred due to the breaches and can potentially receive up to $7,500.
Personal accounts from the lawsuits further illustrate the potential financial ramifications. Instances include one customer whose stolen information led to a $12,000 credit card balance and another who faced a similar fate with a $1,000 loan taken out fraudulently. Additionally, customers have reported drops in their credit scores as a direct result of the breaches, complicating their financial situations.
Customers who opt not to substantiate their losses will still be included in lower-tier settlement pools, with those whose Social Security numbers were compromised receiving a notably higher compensation.
Am I Eligible?
With AT&T indicating that data from “nearly all” cellular customers was compromised, the likelihood of eligibility is high for anyone who has been a customer during the affected timeframes. Those who received notifications from AT&T in 2024 about their compromised data should retain that correspondence for reference during the claim process.
If you haven’t received any notification, don’t worry—you can still check your eligibility. Reach out to the settlement information line at 833-890-4930 or utilize the “Resend Class Member ID” button on the settlement website to verify your status.
However, exercise patience; some have reported wait times exceeding 90 minutes for a representative. Online resources are often quicker and more efficient to navigate.
How Do I File a Claim?
To file your claim, you will need a “class member ID,” which is crucial for the online claim submission process accessible at www.telecomdatasettlement.com.
Alternatively, claims can also be submitted by traditional mail. If you prefer this route, send your documentation to:
AT&T Data Incident Settlement
c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC
P.O. Box 5324
New York, NY 10150-5324
The deadline to file claims was originally November 18 but has been extended to December 18. This deadline is crucial for those seeking compensation; delay may result in forfeiting potential payouts.
