AT&T recently secured an extension for customers to file claims related to a significant data breach settlement. Affected individuals now have until December 18 to submit their claims for compensation stemming from the breach.
The first substantial breach was reported in March 2024, with AT&T disclosing in a statement that user data including addresses and social security numbers, dating back to 2019, was compromised. An even larger incident followed in 2024, exposing call logs and text messages belonging to nearly all AT&T customers for specific periods, from May 1 to October 31, 2022, and on January 3, 2023.
In June, a court approved a settlement amounting to $177 million, which will be distributed among affected customers who maintained accounts between 2019 and 2024. Claimants are categorized into two classes: those whose data was affected by the March breach will share $149 million, while those impacted by the later incident can claim a portion of $28 million. Customers who experienced direct financial losses will receive priority payments, potentially reaching up to $5,000 for the first class and $2,500 for the second class.
The essential process for claiming settlement money involves visiting the designated settlement website. Claimants should have received a notice with a Class Member ID, or they will be notified by October 17. Those wishing to opt out of the settlement or contest their classification have until November 17 to submit their request via mail.
For those eligible to file a claim, it is necessary to complete the settlement claim form, which requires a Class Member ID along with either an AT&T account number, email address, or full name. Additionally, claimants are advised to prepare payment details for direct deposit or checks.
Eligibility for the settlement varies by class. For the first class, individuals whose personal information was compromised during the March incident are eligible. The second class includes AT&T account holders or end users whose communication data was accessed by unauthorized parties.
Financial compensation will vary based on the impact of the data breaches. Class 1 claimants whose social security numbers were exposed will be awarded significantly more than those in Tier 2, who did not face such an intrusion. Class 2 claimants who cannot substantiate a documented financial loss will receive a distribution from whatever funds remain after disbursements to Tier 1 claimants.
Concerned individuals who require further guidance can reach out to the settlement hotline at (833) 890-4930 for more information.
Relevant Topics
AT&T
Cybersecurity
