Millions of impacted customers
AT&T clients impacted by two large data breaches in 2024 have weeks to get a monetary settlement. The telecommunications giant will make a $177 million settlement for the attacks, which exposed confidential customer information in March and July of 2024.
The deadline for filing is November 18, 2025. The victims could receive up to $5,000 for the March data breach and a further $2,500 for the July data breach, taking the maximum amount of compensation to $7,500 for each individual.
What happened in the AT&T data breaches?
The plaintiffs claim that AT&T failed to secure customer information, making Social Security numbers, account data, and call records accessible. The details later showed up on the dark web, a secret section of the internet linked with illegal activity.
Combined, the data breaches contained the records of 7.6 million current customers and 65.4 million former customers. The plaintiffs argue the company did not do enough to prevent the hackers from obtaining this data.
AT&T denied any wrongdoing but settled rather than endure the hassle and cost of a long and protracted court battle. The company said in a statement:
“Though we deny the allegations in these lawsuits that we were responsible for these criminal acts, we’ve reached this settlement in order to avoid the expense and uncertainty of protracted litigation. We’re dedicated to protecting our customers’ data and earning their trust in us.”
Who can claim?
The settlement includes AT&T customers whose personal data was affected in either or both of the breaches. This includes those whose:
- Information was released on the dark net.
- People with no authority viewed call records.
Qualifying customers would have been assigned a class member ID number, which will be required in order to submit a claim. Claimants are also required to provide their AT&T phone account number and e-mail address.
Victims of both events may qualify for the full award of $7,500, though the amount each victim receives will be determined by the number of valid claims filed.
How to file a claim
It is a simple process but it must be done before the deadline date of November 18. Claims are filed online on the settlement website.
Customers will be asked:
- To input their class member ID.
- To provide their account information.
To authenticate that the claim is valid.
It should be mentioned that anyone who knowingly makes a false claim may reduce payments to legitimate claimants. Late claims will not be considered.
Must read
Things to avoid buying at Home Depot, according to the experts
Why did Intel stock just soar? Leading company takes huge stake in embattled chipmaker
What has happened to 10-year treasury yields since the Fed cut interest rates?
Google told to pay $425 million in privacy violation suit: are you eligible for a payout?
California loses its crown as state with highest gas prices
Other benefits besides money payments
Besides money payments, the settlement also provides up to 24 months of free credit monitoring to help prevent identity theft. Under this service, impacted customers can monitor their credit reports and detect any unusual activity related to the breaches.
Why companies resolve class actions
Class action suits allow sets of consumers with similar complaints to sue together. Rather than have multiple individual cases litigated, there is one suit for the class.
Most companies, AT&T included, settle such cases without admitting any wrongdoing. Settlements typically are a quick way of ending the dispute and limiting legal costs while still providing compensation to injured patrons.
Key dates to remember
- Claim deadline: November 18, 2025
- Final approval hearing: December 3, 2025
After the court approves the settlement, payments will be made to eligible customers. The actual payment period will depend on the volume of claims received and accepted.
What this means for AT&T customers
For millions of AT&T customers, this settlement represents a chance to be compensated for some of the damages that were incurred as a result of the data breaches. While payments will vary, cash payments and credit monitoring combined offer concrete relief to those whose information was compromised.
If you believe you were affected, the first and most important thing is to lay your claim by November 18—otherwise, you will lose your right to compensation.
