AT&T Data Breach Settlement: Consumers Have a Limited Window to Claim Their Share of the $177 Million Payout
Millions of AT&T customers have been left reeling from two high-profile data breaches, in which sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and call records were compromised. The telecommunications giant has now agreed to settle with affected consumers for a whopping $177 million, with eligible individuals having just over a month left to file a claim for their share of the spoils.
According to the settlement terms, consumers will be divided into two classes: those impacted by the first breach, which occurred in 2019 or earlier, and those affected by the second breach, which took place between May and October 2022. The payouts for these two groups are estimated to be $149 million and $28 million, respectively.
Those who fall under the "overlap settlement class" may be eligible for payments from both funds, depending on their specific losses documented in each case. However, it's worth noting that final payment amounts will vary, taking into account losses incurred by each individual, as well as any additional costs such as attorney fees.
Consumers have until December 18 to file a claim online or by mail, with the court still required to give the settlement its final stamp of approval in a hearing scheduled for January 15, 2026. Those who wish to opt-out or make an objection must do so before November 17.
The settlement was reached earlier this year in U.S. District Court in Texas, and AT&T has maintained that it is committed to protecting customer data and ensuring their continued trust in the company. While the exact details of the breaches are still unclear, one thing is certain: consumers affected by these incidents will be receiving a significant payout from the telecommunications giant.
AT&T's decision to settle rather than face protracted litigation was seen as a cost-effective option for the company, which has been accused of repeatedly failing to protect consumer data. The settlement covers two breaches that occurred in 2024, with leaked data including Social Security numbers, passcodes, phone numbers, and call records.
Millions of AT&T customers have been left reeling from two high-profile data breaches, in which sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and call records were compromised. The telecommunications giant has now agreed to settle with affected consumers for a whopping $177 million, with eligible individuals having just over a month left to file a claim for their share of the spoils.
According to the settlement terms, consumers will be divided into two classes: those impacted by the first breach, which occurred in 2019 or earlier, and those affected by the second breach, which took place between May and October 2022. The payouts for these two groups are estimated to be $149 million and $28 million, respectively.
Those who fall under the "overlap settlement class" may be eligible for payments from both funds, depending on their specific losses documented in each case. However, it's worth noting that final payment amounts will vary, taking into account losses incurred by each individual, as well as any additional costs such as attorney fees.
Consumers have until December 18 to file a claim online or by mail, with the court still required to give the settlement its final stamp of approval in a hearing scheduled for January 15, 2026. Those who wish to opt-out or make an objection must do so before November 17.
The settlement was reached earlier this year in U.S. District Court in Texas, and AT&T has maintained that it is committed to protecting customer data and ensuring their continued trust in the company. While the exact details of the breaches are still unclear, one thing is certain: consumers affected by these incidents will be receiving a significant payout from the telecommunications giant.
AT&T's decision to settle rather than face protracted litigation was seen as a cost-effective option for the company, which has been accused of repeatedly failing to protect consumer data. The settlement covers two breaches that occurred in 2024, with leaked data including Social Security numbers, passcodes, phone numbers, and call records.
But what's really frustrating is they only gave us a tiny window to claim our share. Like, December 18th is basically tomorrow! And now I'm stuck dealing with the hassle of filing a claim online or by mail... can't even just click a button like normal people 
. And don't even get me started on the overlap settlement class - it's like they're trying to make things as complicated as possible 
. Anyway, I guess this is a step in the right direction for AT&T to sort out their data protection issues... fingers crossed they'll actually follow through on their promises 
You gotta keep an eye on these giant corp breaches! I mean, $177 million is a lotta cash, but think about all the people affected... AT&T's got some serious explaining to do 
. It's like they're trying to sweep it under the rug instead of taking responsibility and being more secure in the first place 
. Anyways, if you're one of those impacted customers, don't sleep on that deadline - Dec 18th is comin' up fast! 
Make sure you file your claim ASAP or miss out on your share 
The fact that the settlement was reached in U.S. District Court in Texas makes me think about how important it is for consumers to stay informed and take control of their own data protection.
Still, at least the company is taking responsibility and trying to make things right. Fingers crossed that those who opt-out or make an objection can get some justice too 
. Time is running out, though - December 18 is just around the corner... gotta get my info in order ASAP 
I'm so done with companies like AT&T not taking security seriously 
their customers have been suffering for years now and it's about time they take responsibility 
the fact that they're settling instead of fighting in court is a huge win for those affected