AT&T pays $177 million in data breach settlement
AT&T will pay a $177 million class action lawsuit settlement following two alleged data breaches that exposed sensitive customer data on the dark web.
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Data breaches act like silent cracks. You can’t see it or make a sound, but it opens up a wound that takes years to heal. For millions of AT&T customers, that crack opened twice in 2024, leaving their Social Security numbers, addresses, passcodes, and even call records exposed, as if the shadows of the deep internet had stolen parts of their identities.
Today, the damage is beginning to be repaired. The $177 million class action settlement could result in payments of up to $7,500 per person depending on the depth of the lawsuit’s impact. And as the deadline approaches, Latino consumers across the U.S. are asking, “Am I eligible? How do I claim this money?”
Who is eligible for AT&T coverage?
There are two classes of customers who can file complaints, and some consumers may fall into both categories.
The first class corresponds to those affected by the March 30, 2024 incident, in which sensitive data, including social security numbers and access codes, was made public on the dark web. According to the complaint, Type 2 corresponds to an incident where call records and messages were illegally downloaded on July 12, 2024.
AT&T has acknowledged the two incidents but denies wrongdoing. The truth is, the attack may have affected more than 7 million active customers in 2024 and more than 65 million users who had accounts between 2019 and 2024, according to court documents and company statements. If you have questions, call 833-890-4930 and an operator will check to see if your name is included.
When is the deadline to claim compensation from AT&T?
Time is of the essence. The deadline to file a claim is Tuesday, November 18th.
Forms submitted online must be submitted by that date. If mailed, the postmark must be no later than November 18th.
For thousands of consumers, especially the elderly, this process can seem scary. Therefore, rather than waiting, we recommend checking your eligibility, gathering documentation if applicable, and filing your claim in advance. The sooner you respond, the sooner the review will proceed in order to receive compensation.
How do I claim AT&T coverage?
Claims may be submitted online at www.telecomdatasettlement.com.
If you would like us to mail it to you, please send the form to AT&T Data Incident Settlement, Croll Settlement Administration LLC, PO Box 5324, New York, NY 10150-5324.
This form asks for basic customer information and, in the case of some types of compensation, documentation of the financial loss associated with the violation. The website also has a Frequently Asked Questions and Spanish Support section, which can be helpful if you are not comfortable with English or need additional support.
How much money can they receive from AT&T compensation?
The amount depends on the type of impact and the class of contract to which the consumer belongs. Those involved in the first incident can claim compensation of up to $5,000 for documented losses. You also have the option to make payments in Tier 1 or Tier 2 without requiring a receipt. Tier 1 is five times the size of Tier 2 and accommodates customers whose Social Security numbers are publicly available.
In the case of a second incident, those affected can claim up to $2,500 for documented losses or receive a Tier 3 payment calculated as a pro-rata share of the remaining funds after administrative costs and other claims have been covered.
Contributed by: USA TODAY
Boris Q’va is a national Spanish language trends news reporter for Connect/USA TODAY Network. You can follow him on X as @ByBorisQva or write to him at BBalsindesUrquiola@gannett.com.
