AT&T Owe Customers $177 Million in Data Breach Settlement

Millions of AT&T customers are eligible to receive up to $7,500 in cash from a $177 million settlement linked to two data breaches in 2024. The company faced lawsuits following its breach disclosures in March and July 2024.

The first breach, disclosed on March 30, 2024, involved a data leak affecting information until 2019, including Social Security numbers of 73 million current and former customers. The breach was traced back to a leak two weeks earlier, and data was found on the dark web.

Also Read: Trump Issues Stark Warning to Russia Over Ukraine Deal

The second breach, announced four months later, was linked to an illegal download from a third-party cloud platform, exposing phone numbers of nearly all AT&T cellular customers and others using the network between May and October 2022.

The class-action settlement assigns $149 million for the initial breach and $28 million for the subsequent one. Customers affected by either or both breaches can file claims. Notices have been issued by the Kroll Settlement Administration.

Claims must be filed by November 18, with a hearing to approve the settlement scheduled for December 3. Post-approval, there could be appeals that delay the process.

Eligible customers can receive up to $5,000 for losses from the March breach, with proof needed for losses post-2019. For the July breach, payouts can reach $2,500, with proof required for losses after April 14, 2024. Customers affected by both breaches may receive up to $7,500, though claims require separate documentation for each event.

Additionally, individuals whose Social Security Number was compromised in the March breach may be eligible for a fivefold increase in their tier payout if affected by both breaches. However, the total amount they will receive is still uncertain.

AT&T stated it denies liability but settled to avoid extended litigation. The company highlights its dedication to safeguarding customer data. The spokesperson mentioned that there is no link between the two breaches.

AT&T expects the settlement to be approved by year-end, providing affected customers a chance to seek compensation for data breaches that compromised personal information, including Social Security numbers and phone data.

Share this article Latest News Categories More News