AT&T Data Breach: $177 Million Settlement – Are You Eligible for Compensation?
Table of Contents
- 1. AT&T Data Breach: $177 Million Settlement – Are You Eligible for Compensation?
- 2. Understanding the Breaches
- 3. Who Qualifies for Compensation?
- 4. How to File a claim
- 5. When Can You Expect Payment?
- 6. Protecting Yourself After a Data Breach
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions About the AT&T Data Breach Settlement
- 8. Is receiving a notification from AT&T regarding the data breach sufficient too automatically qualify for a settlement payment?
- 9. AT&T Data Breach Settlement: A Guide for Customers to File claims and Understand Your Rights
- 10. Understanding the AT&T Data Breach
- 11. Who is Eligible for the AT&T Settlement?
- 12. What Does the AT&T Settlement Offer?
- 13. How to File an AT&T Data Breach Claim
- 14. Important Dates to Remember
- 15. Understanding Your Rights as an Affected Customer
Published: August 18, 2025
AT&T is facing a critically important financial reckoning following a $177 million settlement related to considerable data breaches impacting millions of its United States customers. Individuals affected by thes security incidents may be entitled to receive compensation, potentially reaching up to $7,500. The settlement is currently awaiting final court approval, with a hearing scheduled for December 3, 2025, but potential claimants must submit their claims before this date.
Understanding the Breaches
The first confirmed breach, occurring in March 2024, compromised the personal data-including Social Security numbers-of approximately 7.6 million current account holders and a staggering 65.4 million former customers. This information surfaced on the dark web,raising serious concerns about identity theft and fraud. A second incident, revealed in July 2024, involved the illegal access and download of customer data from a third-party cloud platform.
According to AT&T, the July 2024 breach exposed call and text message records from May 1 to October 31, 2022, for nearly all cellular customers, with a smaller subset of customers affected by compromised records dating back to January 2, 2023. While the company asserts that sensitive information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth were not exposed in this second instance, phone numbers could potentially be linked to individuals publicly.
Who Qualifies for Compensation?
Eligible claimants should have received an email notification from “[email protected]” outlining their rights and options, according to Kroll Settlement Management, which is handling the claims process. AT&T has specified that United States citizens whose personal information – including names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth, account passcodes, billing account numbers, and Social Security numbers – was compromised in the March 2024 breach are eligible for a claim.
those who haven’t received notice but believe they were affected can contact Kroll at (833) 890-4930 for assistance. Individuals who were AT&T account owners or had active lines during the 2022-2023 breach,or whose phone numbers were connected to affected accounts,may also be eligible for compensation.
Notably, individuals impacted by both breaches-termed “overlap settlement class members”-may be entitled to claim compensation from both settlements, potentially receiving up to $7,500.
How to File a claim
Affected individuals must submit a claim form either online via the settlement website or by mail to AT&T, with the address available on the website. The deadline for submissions is November 18, 2025. Those wishing to exclude themselves from the settlement must submit a letter to Kroll by October 17,2025,with detailed instructions available on the settlement website’s FAQ section. Objections to the settlement or fee applications must also be filed by October 17, 2025, and specific details can be found on the FAQ page.
Here’s a fast reference table summarizing the key dates and potential compensation amounts:
| Breach Date | Maximum Compensation Per Claimant | Claim Submission Deadline | Exclusion Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2024 | $5,000 | November 18, 2025 | October 17, 2025 |
| 2022-2023 | $2,500 | November 18, 2025 | October 17, 2025 |
Did You Know? data breaches are becoming increasingly common, with a 14% increase in data breaches reported in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, according to Statista.
When Can You Expect Payment?
The final approval hearing for the settlement is set for December 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. central Time. Following approval, and the resolution of any potential appeals, the distribution of settlement funds will commence.
Pro Tip: Regularly monitor your credit reports and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file to mitigate the risk of identity theft following a data breach.
Protecting Yourself After a Data Breach
Data breaches are an unfortunate reality in the digital age. Beyond seeking compensation, taking proactive steps to protect your personal information is crucial. This includes:
- Monitoring Your Credit Report: Regularly review your credit report for any unauthorized activity.
- Changing Passwords: Update passwords for all your online accounts, using strong and unique combinations.
- Enabling Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Being vigilant Against Phishing Scams: Be wary of suspicious emails or phone calls requesting personal information.
Frequently Asked Questions About the AT&T Data Breach Settlement
A: The deadline to submit a claim is November 18, 2025.
A: You may be eligible for up to $5,000 for the March 2024 breach and up to $2,500 for the 2022-2023 breach, potentially totaling $7,500 if affected by both.
A: Eligible claimants should receive an email notification from Kroll. You can also contact Kroll at (833) 890-4930 for assistance.
A: You can submit a letter to Kroll by October 17, 2025, requesting exclusion from the settlement.
A: All details are available on the settlement website: https://www.telecomdatasettlement.com/
A: Call and text message records were compromised, but sensitive personal information like Social Security numbers was reportedly not exposed.
Is receiving a notification from AT&T regarding the data breach sufficient too automatically qualify for a settlement payment?
AT&T Data Breach Settlement: A Guide for Customers to File claims and Understand Your Rights
Understanding the AT&T Data Breach
In early 2023, AT&T disclosed a notable data breach impacting approximately 7.5 million current and former customers. This breach exposed sensitive Personally Identifiable Information (PII), including names, addresses, and possibly more. The fallout led to a class action lawsuit and, ultimately, a proposed AT&T data breach settlement. This guide, published August 18, 2025, provides a comprehensive overview of the settlement, eligibility requirements, how to file a claim, and what rights you have as an affected customer. Keywords: AT&T breach, data breach settlement, data security, class action lawsuit, PII exposure.
Who is Eligible for the AT&T Settlement?
Determining your eligibility for the AT&T data breach settlement is the first step. You might potentially be eligible if you:
Were an AT&T customer before December 7, 2023.
received a notification from AT&T regarding the data breach.
Experienced out-of-pocket losses due to the breach (e.g., fraud, identity theft).
Spent time and effort mitigating potential harm resulting from the breach, even without direct financial loss.
It’s vital to note that eligibility doesn’t automatically guarantee a payment.The settlement fund is limited, and awards will vary based on the extent of documented losses and efforts. Keywords: settlement eligibility, AT&T customers, data breach victims, claim requirements.
What Does the AT&T Settlement Offer?
The proposed settlement offers two main types of relief:
Reimbursement of out-of-Pocket Losses: Customers who incurred documented financial losses directly related to the breach (e.g., fraudulent charges, credit monitoring services) can seek reimbursement up to a certain limit. Detailed documentation – receipts, bank statements, police reports – is crucial.
Payment for Time and Effort: Even if you didn’t experience direct financial loss,you may be eligible for a payment based on the time and effort you spent mitigating the risks associated with the breach. this includes things like freezing your credit, changing passwords, and monitoring your accounts. The amount awarded will depend on the documentation provided.
The total settlement fund is capped, meaning payments will likely be pro-rated if the number of valid claims exceeds the available funds. Keywords: settlement amount,reimbursement,out-of-pocket expenses,credit monitoring,identity theft protection.
How to File an AT&T Data Breach Claim
The claim filing process is primarily online.Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- visit the settlement Website: The official settlement website is https://attdatabreachsettlement.com/ (This is a placeholder URL – verify the actual URL before publishing).
- Review the Settlement Agreement: Familiarize yourself with the full terms of the settlement agreement.
- Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant documentation supporting your claim, including:
Proof of identity (driver’s license, passport).
AT&T account statements.
Documentation of financial losses (bank statements, credit card statements, police reports).
Records of time spent mitigating the breach (e.g., screenshots of credit freezes, password changes).
- Complete the Claim Form: Fill out the online claim form accurately and wholly.
- Submit Your Claim: Submit the claim form and supporting documentation by the deadline. The claim deadline is November 22, 2025.
Keep a copy of your claim form and all supporting documentation for your records.Keywords: file a claim, claim deadline, settlement website, documentation requirements, claim form.
Important Dates to Remember
Claim Deadline: November 22, 2025
Final Approval Hearing: December 12, 2025 (This date is subject to change – check the settlement website for updates).
Expected Payment Date: payments are expected to be distributed in early 2026,pending final court approval.
Understanding Your Rights as an Affected Customer
Beyond the settlement, you have several rights as a victim of a data breach:
Credit Monitoring: AT&T offered two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services to affected customers. Ensure you’ve enrolled if you haven’t already.
security Freeze: You have the right to place a security freeze on your credit reports with all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). This makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
Fraud Alerts: you can place a fraud alert on your credit reports,which requires
