In 2024, AT&T suffered two significant data breaches. The first occurred on March 30, affecting over 65 million customers who held accounts between 2019 and 2024. Sensitive information like Social Security numbers and passcodes were compromised.
The second breach, reported on July 12, affected around 7 million customers, with unauthorized access to calls and text records.
A class-action lawsuit followed, alleging AT&T failed to protect customer data. To avoid lengthy court proceedings, AT&T agreed to a $177 million settlement. The U.S. District Court has given preliminary approval, allowing affected customers to submit claims for compensation.
Who Is Eligible for the Settlement?
Eligibility is based on which data breach affected the customer:
AT&T 1 Settlement Class: Customers impacted by the March 30, 2024 breach, especially those whose Social Security numbers or other personal information were exposed.
AT&T 2 Settlement Class: Customers affected by the July 12, 2024 breach, involving unauthorized access to call and text records.
Overlap Settlement Class: Customers impacted by both breaches can file claims for each incident, but documentation of losses must be separate for each breach.
Eligibility Requirements Summary
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Must have been an AT&T customer during the breach period
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March breach: 2019–2024
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July breach: 2024
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- Data must have been exposed during the breaches
- Demonstrated financial or identity-related impact
- Claims must be filed before November 18, 2025
Settlement Payment Structure
Payments vary depending on breach class and type of loss:
AT&T 1 Settlement Class
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Documented Loss Payment: Up to $5,000 for verified financial losses
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Tier 1 Cash Payment: For customers with SSN exposure; value is 5 times Tier 2
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Tier 2 Cash Payment: For data exposure without SSN involvement; prorated share
AT&T 2 Settlement Class
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Documented Loss Payment: Up to $2,500 with proof of losses
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Tier Cash Payment: Prorated share for claimants without documented losses
Combined Claims
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Eligible customers from both breaches may receive up to $7,500 total, provided each claim documents unique losses.
How to File a Claim
1. Confirm Eligibility
Check if your account and personal data were affected in either or both breaches.
2. Gather Documentation
Prepare evidence of financial loss or identity theft, including fraudulent charges, reports, or related expenses.
3. Submit Your Claim
- Online filing is recommended for faster processing and electronic payment.
- Mail submissions must be postmarked by November 18, 2025.
4. Fill Out Claim Form
Include AT&T account number, class member ID if available, contact details, and documentation of losses.
5. Wait for Approval
The final court approval is expected in January 2026. Payments will be distributed after accounting for attorney fees and administrative costs.
Important Legal Considerations
Filing a claim means giving up the right to sue AT&T or its affiliates for these specific breaches. This release covers AT&T, its parent companies, and related entities. Claimants do not need to attend the final approval hearing on January 15, 2026, but must be patient, as appeals could delay payments.
Key Dates to Remember
Event | Date |
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Settlement Preliminary Approval | June 20, 2025 |
Claims Filing Opens | August 4, 2025 |
Claims Filing Deadline | November 18, 2025 |
Final Court Approval Hearing | January 15, 2026 |
FAQs
Q1: Who is eligible for the AT&T $7,500 settlement payment?
Customers affected by either the March or July 2024 breaches, or both, including those whose Social Security numbers, addresses, or call/text records were exposed.
Q2: How much can I receive?
Payments can reach up to $7,500, depending on breach class, SSN exposure, and documented financial losses.
Q3: What is the claim deadline?
All claims must be filed online or postmarked by November 18, 2025.
Q4: Can I claim for both breaches?
Yes, but each claim must have unique documentation of losses.
Q5: How do I file a claim?
Claims can be submitted online or by mailing the completed claim form along with proof of losses. Online submission is faster and allows electronic payments.
Conclusion
The AT&T $7,500 settlement provides an important opportunity for affected customers to recover losses from 2024 data breaches. By acting promptly and submitting proper documentation, eligible customers can receive fair compensation. This settlement highlights the importance of data security and legal protection when companies fail to safeguard sensitive information.