AT&T Settlement: Claim Your Share of $177 Million by Dec. 18

UPDATE: AT&T has reached a substantial $177 million settlement in response to two significant data breaches, affecting millions of customers. Impacted consumers have until December 18, 2024, to file their claims for a share of the settlement.

Authorities confirmed that these breaches exposed critical customer data, including Social Security numbers and call records, prompting several lawsuits across the U.S. These lawsuits were later consolidated in a Texas federal court. AT&T, while denying any wrongdoing, opted for the settlement to avoid the prolonged costs of litigation.

In a statement, AT&T said, “We have agreed to this settlement to avoid the expense and uncertainty of protracted litigation,” emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding customer data.

The settlement addresses two breaches disclosed in 2024 but involves data dating back to 2019. The first breach, reported in March 2024, involved the exposure of data from approximately 7.6 million current and 65.4 million former account holders. AT&T revealed that sensitive information from these accounts had surfaced on the “dark web.”

The second breach, involving call and text records, impacted nearly all AT&T customers from May to October of 2022. AT&T learned of this data being illegally downloaded from a third-party cloud platform in April 2024 and began notifying customers in July of the same year.

The settlement allocates $149 million to the first breach’s victims and $28 million for those affected by the second breach, according to a preliminary approval order filed in June. Consumers impacted by the first breach could receive up to $5,000, while those from the second breach may receive up to $2,500. Some individuals may qualify for both payments if they fall into the “overlap settlement class.”

It’s important to note that final payment amounts will depend on the documented losses of each individual and the total number of claims submitted, which will be evaluated during a court hearing set for January 15, 2026.

With the deadline for claims fast approaching, consumers are urged to act now. Claims can be submitted online or by mail until December 18. For more information, visit the Kroll Settlement Administration website, where class members can also opt-out or raise objections before November 17.

This settlement not only represents a significant financial remedy for consumers but also highlights ongoing concerns about data security and privacy in today’s digital landscape. As millions await their compensation, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal information in an increasingly connected world.