Important Details About the AT&T Data Breach Settlement
If you’re an AT&T customer, there’s a pressing issue you need to be aware of: you have about a month left to claim a portion of the $177 million data breach settlement against the telecom giant. The deadline has been extended to December, giving you more time to file your claim. Understanding the events that led to this settlement and how to proceed is crucial, especially if your personal information may be at risk.
What Happened?
The saga of AT&T’s data breaches began in March 2024 when sensitive customer data surfaced on the dark web. The company later confirmed in a statement that the breach compromised addresses, social security numbers, and passcodes of users dating back to 2019. This alarming discovery was just the tip of the iceberg, as an even larger breach was uncovered later in 2024. This subsequent incident exposed telephone numbers and records of calls and texts for nearly every AT&T customer, occurring between May 1 and October 31, 2022, and again on January 3, 2023.
The Settlement Decision
In response to these breaches, a class action lawsuit was filed, prompting courts to rule in June on a settlement of $177 million for affected customers with accounts from 2019 to 2024. Customers were divided into two classes:
- Class 1: This group consists of account holders affected by the March 2024 breach who will share $149 million.
- Class 2: Customers whose communications were compromised due to the July incident will split $28 million.
In prioritizing those who experienced financial losses, individual claims could result in direct payments of up to $5,000 for Class 1 and $2,500 for Class 2. After addressing those direct financial impacts, remaining funds will be distributed among all affected customers.
How to Claim Your Settlement
If you think you might be eligible for the settlement, you need to act quickly. You have until December 18 to file a claim via the settlement website. Check your mailbox; impacted customers should have received a notice containing a Class Member ID. If you wish to opt out of the settlement or object to your classification, you must send a physical request by November 17.
To complete your claim, you’ll need to fill out the settlement claim form. Be prepared with your Class Member ID, email address, AT&T account number, or your full name, as well as any relevant payment information like direct deposit or check preferences.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility criteria are specific and divided between the two classes involved in the settlement:
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Class 1: Individuals whose personal identification information—specifically Social Security Numbers—was compromised in the March 2024 incident.
- Class 2: Owners of AT&T accounts or users whose numbers or direct communications were exposed in the more extensive breach.
Understanding Potential Compensation
Compensation will differ based on the gravity of the data exposure. Here’s a quick breakdown:
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For Class 1: Individuals whose Social Security Numbers were exposed can expect higher compensation—five times more if classified as Tier 1 compared to those in Tier 2.
- For Class 2: Individuals who cannot demonstrate financial loss will receive a share of the remaining settlement funds, categorized as Tier 3.
Have lingering questions? You can always reach out to the settlement hotline at (833) 890-4930 for assistance.
This important settlement represents a significant moment for consumers impacted by data breaches, highlighting the need for constant vigilance regarding personal information security.
