AT&T has agreed to pay $177 million to settle claims from two major data breaches that exposed personal information of millions of customers. This settlement, approved in June 2025, allows affected current and former customers to file claims for compensation by November 18, 2025, with potential payouts reaching up to $7,500 for those hit by both incidents.
Understanding the AT&T Data Breaches
The breaches stem from incidents in 2019 and 2024, which together impacted nearly 200 million people. In the 2019 event, hackers stole sensitive data like Social Security numbers and birth dates from about 73 million accounts. AT&T only disclosed this in March 2024 after spotting the data on the dark web.
The 2024 breach involved phone records from 2022, affecting around 109 million customers through a hack on AT&T’s cloud storage provider. Hackers linked to groups like ShinyHunters claimed responsibility, leading to arrests later that year.
These events sparked multiple lawsuits, consolidated into a class-action case. Plaintiffs argued AT&T failed to protect customer privacy, resulting in risks like identity theft. The company denied wrongdoing but settled to avoid prolonged litigation.
Recent trends show a rise in such cyber incidents, with similar breaches hitting companies like Ticketmaster and Santander in 2024. Experts note that data breaches cost businesses billions annually, and settlements like this highlight growing accountability.
Who Qualifies for the Settlement?
Eligibility covers two groups, or classes, based on the breaches. You might qualify if you were an AT&T customer during the affected periods.
For the 2019 breach, it includes 7.6 million current customers and 65.4 million former ones whose personal data was exposed. The 2024 breach affects nearly all U.S. customers with compromised call and text records.
People impacted by both can claim from each class. Notifications went out via email or mail starting in August 2025. If you did not receive one but think you qualify, contact the settlement administrator.
Key factors for eligibility include:
- Proof of AT&T account during the breach times.
- Evidence of harm, such as identity theft or related expenses.
- No opt-out from the settlement.
Millions could be eligible, but actual claimants might number in the hundreds of thousands, based on past similar cases like the Equifax settlement.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Your Claim
Filing is straightforward but requires action before the deadline. Start by visiting the official settlement website at telecomdatasettlement.com.
You need a Class Member ID from your notification email. If lost, check spam folders or call the administrator at 833-890-4930. For mail options, download forms and send them postmarked by November 18, 2025.
Provide details about your losses, like time spent monitoring credit or costs from fraud. High traffic might cause waits on the site, so try during off-peak hours.
Claims can be filed online or by mail. Online is faster, but mailed forms go to a New York address provided on the site.
Remember, filing for both breaches if applicable doubles your potential recovery. Experts recommend gathering documents like credit reports to strengthen your case.
Potential Payouts and What You Could Receive
Payouts vary by breach and proof of loss. The settlement splits $149 million for the 2019 class and $28 million for the 2024 one.
Those with documented losses from the 2019 breach can get up to $5,000. Without proof, expect tiered payments based on data exposure, like Social Security numbers.
For the 2024 breach, proven losses yield up to $2,500, with others sharing the rest equally. Combined, that’s potentially $7,500.
Here’s a breakdown of estimated maximum payouts:
| Breach Year | With Proof of Loss | Without Proof |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Up to $5,000 | Tiered cash (e.g., $25-$100 based on exposure) |
| 2024 | Up to $2,500 | Pro rata share (divided evenly) |
| Both | Up to $7,500 | Combined from above |
Actual amounts depend on total claims filed. Payments could arrive by early 2026 after final approval.
Timeline and Next Steps for Claimants
The court gave preliminary approval in June 2025, with claims opening August 4. A final hearing is set for later this year.
If approved without changes, distributions start soon after. Objectors have until October 2025 to challenge.
Monitor your email for updates. AT&T also offers free credit monitoring as part of the deal.
This settlement follows a pattern of big tech payouts, like T-Mobile’s $350 million in 2022. It underscores the need for stronger cybersecurity.
Impact on Customers and Broader Implications
Beyond money, the breaches raised privacy concerns. Many victims faced stress from potential fraud, with some reporting unauthorized accounts.
AT&T responded by enhancing security, including password resets and better monitoring. Industry watchers say such events push companies toward better practices.
For consumers, this highlights checking credit regularly and using strong passwords. Similar incidents in 2025, like those at other telecoms, show the ongoing threat.
In the end, this settlement provides relief but reminds us of digital risks.
What do you think about this settlement? Share your experiences in the comments below, and pass this article along to friends who might be eligible. Your input helps everyone stay informed.
