Attention AT&T Customers Affected by Data Breaches in 2024: File for Cash Payments Worth Up to $7,500 as Part of a $177 Million Settlement

Approximately 73 million current and former AT&T customers may claim compensation, with payouts reaching up to $7,500, as part of a $177 million class-action settlement resulting from two data breaches in 2024.

The first breach, disclosed in March, involved unauthorized access to sensitive customer information dating back to 2019, including Social Security numbers. The affected dataset was discovered on the dark web. A second breach announced in July stemmed from an unauthorized download of data related to telephone numbers of AT&T cellular customers and providers using the AT&T network between May 1 and October 31, 2022.

The settlement consists of a $149 million cash fund for the March breach and an additional $28 million for the July breach. Eligible customers will be notified via email regarding their claim filing process. The deadline to submit claims is November 18, with a final approval hearing scheduled for December 3. However, any potential appeals could prolong the distribution of settlement funds.

Customers impacted by the March incident may qualify for up to $5,000 in cash payments if they can provide documentation of losses occurring in 2019 or later that can be directly attributed to the breach. For the July breach, customers could receive up to $2,500 in cash payments upon providing proof of losses that occurred after April 14, 2024. Customers affected by both breaches may be eligible for a maximum payout of $7,500, contingent on unique documentation for each loss.

Alternatively, customers can opt for tiered cash payments based on the type and extent of their exposed data. Specifically, those whose Social Security Numbers were compromised in the March breach would receive five times the payment of the second tier, while all other affected customers would share the remaining funds equally. It is essential to note that the total payout for each customer is uncertain at this time.

AT&T maintains that it denies allegations from the lawsuits that it was responsible for these breaches but agreed to the settlement to avoid the costs and uncertainties associated with prolonged litigation. The company reiterated its commitment to protecting customers’ data and maintaining their trust.

In 2024, an AT&T spokesperson clarified to CNN that there was no connection between the March and July breaches. The settlement is expected to be approved by the end of the year.