AT&T customers have a crucial deadline approaching to file claims for a share of a $177 million class action settlement related to data breaches that occurred in 2024. The company agreed to this settlement following two significant data incidents affecting customer information. Those eligible to file must do so by Thursday, December 18, 2024, as the window for submitting claims is rapidly closing.
The class action lawsuit, initiated in October 2024, arises from two separate data breaches: one on March 30, 2024, and another on July 12, 2024. According to the Kroll Settlement Administration, the breaches led to the exposure of sensitive customer data, including names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, birthdays, account passcodes, billing account numbers, and Social Security numbers. Some of this information was reportedly found on the dark web or unlawfully accessed from a third-party cloud platform.
Who is Eligible for the Settlement?
Current and former AT&T customers in the United States whose data was compromised during either of the breaches are eligible to file claims. Some individuals may be classified as “Overlap Settlement Class Members” if their information was affected in both incidents. For those uncertain about their eligibility, Kroll Settlement Administration can be reached at (833) 890-4930 for clarification.
How to File a Claim
AT&T has established a dedicated website for affected customers to submit claims. To do so, individuals should click on the “Submit Claim” button located at the top right corner of the site. Claimants will need to provide their Class Member ID along with either their email address, AT&T account number, or full name. Additional documentation may be required, and many customers should have received a notice containing a confirmation code and notice ID. For further assistance, Kroll Settlement Administration is available at the same contact number.
It is important to note that submitting a claim means waiving the right to sue AT&T regarding related issues stemming from these incidents.
Potential Compensation from the Settlement
While the exact compensation amount remains uncertain, customers affected by the first breach can claim up to $5,000 for losses incurred from 2019 onward, given appropriate documentation is provided. For the second breach, claims can reach up to $2,500 for losses occurring on or after April 14, 2024. Individuals impacted by both breaches may qualify for a total of $7,500. Claimants can also opt for a cash payment, which will be derived from the settlement after costs and claims are divided among all eligible parties.
The deadline for filing claims is set for December 18, 2024, following an extension from the original deadline of November 18, 2024.
When to Expect Payments
A court hearing is scheduled for January 15, 2026, to determine whether to approve the settlement. Even with approval, the process may face delays due to potential appeals or other necessary court procedures. As of now, there are no estimates available on when payments will be disbursed, and claimants are advised to remain patient throughout the process.
In summary, AT&T customers who believe they have been affected by these breaches should act swiftly to ensure their claims are submitted by the impending deadline. With potential compensation available, this settlement offers a measure of relief for those impacted by these serious data security incidents.
