AT&T Customers Can Receive Up to $7,500 in $177M Data Breach Settlement — Here’s How

AT&T customers have the opportunity to claim up to $7,500 in compensation as part of a $177 million settlement related to data breaches that occurred in 2024. The telecommunications giant has proposed the significant settlement amount to address multiple lawsuits stemming from two separate breaches that compromised the data of millions of customers. In March 2024, AT&T revealed that 73 million customers had their data, including sensitive information like social security numbers and birth dates, exposed in a breach that dated back to 2019. Just four months later in July 2024, a second breach occurred, resulting in the leakage of phone numbers belonging to almost all AT&T cellular customers on the network between May and October 2022.

The settlement offer from AT&T includes $149 million allocated for the first class-action lawsuit linked to the March 2024 breach and an additional $28 million set aside for the breach in July of the same year. Customers affected by the breaches may be eligible to receive compensation based on the extent of their leaked information. Those who had their social security numbers compromised could claim a higher cash payment compared to individuals whose names or phone numbers were exposed. The compensation amounts vary, with customers impacted by both breaches potentially receiving the maximum payout of $7,500.

To qualify for compensation, affected AT&T customers must provide documentation demonstrating the link between their stolen data and the two data breaches. The deadline for submitting a claim is set for November 18, although final approval for the $177 million settlement is pending. A spokesperson for AT&T emphasized the company’s commitment to safeguarding customer data and maintaining their trust, despite refuting the allegations in the lawsuits. The settlement aims to avoid prolonged legal battles and provide redress for impacted customers.

The settlement website outlines the claims process and highlights the requirement for customers to verify their losses to be eligible for compensation. AT&T customers have been urged to act promptly to submit their claims within the specified timeframe, with a final approval hearing scheduled for December 3 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. While the exact amount available for cash payments to customers remains undisclosed, the proposed settlement underscores AT&T’s willingness to address the fallout from the data breaches.

It is crucial for AT&T customers affected by the data breaches to understand their rights and the steps required to secure compensation through the settlement process. By engaging in this remedial action, impacted individuals can potentially receive financial restitution for any losses incurred as a result of the breaches. As technology continues to advance, data security remains a paramount concern for both consumers and corporations, underscoring the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information. The resolution of the AT&T data breach cases serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against cyber threats and the shared responsibility to uphold data privacy in the digital age.