AT&T’s Upcoming $177 Million Settlement: What You Need to Know

AT&T recently announced a significant settlement of $177 million to resolve legal issues connected to two substantial data breaches—one in 2019 and another in 2024. If you have been affected, it’s crucial to understand your rights and how to claim your compensation.

Extended Deadline for Claims

In a recent development, the deadline for filing a claim has been extended from November 18, 2025, to December 18, 2025. This was a result of a ruling on October 3, which gives claimants additional time to secure their share of the settlement. The claim process began earlier this summer when US District Judge Ada E. Brown granted preliminary approval for the settlement.

Background on the Data Breaches

The 2019 Breach

The first data breach occurred in 2019 but wasn’t acknowledged by AT&T until March 2024. This breach exposed sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, birth dates, and legal names of 7.6 million current customers and 65.4 million former customers. Following the discovery, AT&T took immediate action by resetting the passwords of all affected customers.

The 2024 Breach

The second breach took place shortly after the first, in April 2024. Hackers gained unauthorized access to call records from 2022, affecting approximately 109 million customers through a vulnerability in AT&T’s cloud-based data management system, Snowflake. The breach was publicly disclosed in July 2024, and two individuals associated with the hacking group ShinyHunters were later arrested for their involvement.

Filing a Claim: Step-by-Step

To participate in the settlement, you need to file a claim through Kroll Settlement Administration, the organization overseeing the completion of the settlement. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Claim Member ID: If you are an eligible customer, you should have received a notification email from Kroll containing your Class Member ID. Search your inbox (and spam folder) for this email.

2. Online Claim Submission: Visit telecomdatasettlement.com to file your claim online. Make sure to fill in the necessary forms accurately and provide any documentation of losses.

3. Telephone Assistance: If you have not received a notification or need clarification, you can contact Kroll at 833-890-4930 or send a written request to Kroll Settlement Administration, P.O. Box 5324, New York, NY 10150-5324.

4. Submission Deadlines: All claims must be submitted or postmarked by December 18, 2025. You can file for both breaches if you were affected by each.

Expected Compensation

The amount each claimant receives will depend on their eligibility and the number of claims filed. Here’s a breakdown of potential payouts:

• 2019 Breach:

  • Claimants who provide documentation of a loss can receive up to $5,000.
  • Those without proof will receive a tiered cash payout based on whether their Social Security number was exposed.
• 2024 Breach:
  • Affected individuals who can document a loss may receive up to $2,500.
  • Others will receive a pro-rata share of the remaining settlement funds, divided equally among claimants.

If someone is affected by both data breaches, they may file claims for both, potentially leading to maximum payouts of up to $7,500.

High Traffic Alerts

Due to the high number of claimants, traffic on the settlement website can be intense. Users may experience delays or be placed in a virtual queue.

If you prefer physical forms, you can print and mail claim forms for the 2019 breach or the 2024 breach, which are available on the settlement website.

Final Considerations

To maximize your chances of receiving compensation, act quickly. Ensure you have all necessary documentation ready and file your claims as soon as possible. The settlements from these breaches not only signify financial compensation but also highlight the importance of data security in today’s digital landscape.