AT&T Settlement: Customers Face Deadline for Claims Submission
AT&T customers affected by recent data breaches have until December 18, 2024, to file claims for their share of a $177 million class action settlement. The company has agreed to this settlement following two significant data incidents in 2024. Individuals impacted by these breaches must act quickly to secure their potential compensation.
The class action lawsuit, initiated in October 2024, centers on two separate data breaches that occurred on March 30 and July 12, 2024. These breaches resulted in sensitive customer information—including names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, birthdays, account passwords, billing account numbers, and Social Security numbers—being exposed online. According to the Kroll Settlement Administration, this data was either made accessible on the dark web or unlawfully downloaded from a third-party cloud platform.
Eligibility and Claim Process
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,” meaning they were affected by both incidents. Those unsure of their eligibility can reach out to Kroll Settlement Administration at (833) 890-4930 for clarification.
To initiate a claim, customers should visit the designated settlement website and click on the “Submit Claim” option. They will need to provide their Class Member ID along with their email address, AT&T account number, or full name. Additional documentation may be required, and claimants should have received a notice containing a confirmation code and notice ID. If further assistance is needed, Kroll Settlement Administration is available at the previously mentioned number.
It is important to note that by submitting a claim, individuals waive their right to sue AT&T for any related issues connected to this case.
Potential Compensation and Timeline for Payments
The exact compensation amounts remain somewhat uncertain. Customers impacted by the first breach may claim up to $5,000 for losses that occurred on or after January 1, 2019, provided they can demonstrate that these losses are directly linked to the first data incident. Those affected by the second breach can claim up to $2,500 for losses occurring on or after April 14, 2024. Individuals affected by both breaches may be eligible for a total of $7,500.
Claimants can opt for a cash payment option, which will be distributed from the settlement fund after deducting costs and allocating claims among successful applicants.
Originally set for November 18, 2024, the claim submission deadline was extended by the court to December 18, 2024. Once claims are submitted, a court hearing is scheduled for January 15, 2026, to determine the approval of the settlement. Even with court approval, claimants should be aware that potential appeals and other legal processes could delay the distribution of payments. Currently, there are no estimates for when payments will be issued.
Affected customers are encouraged to remain patient as the claims process unfolds.
