In a significant development for AT&T customers, millions affected by two major data breaches in 2024 may be eligible to file claims for cash payments totaling up to $7,500 as part of a $177 million class-action settlement. The telecommunications giant faced lawsuits following breaches announced in March and July 2024, which exposed sensitive personal information of current and former customers. The settlement aims to compensate those impacted while resolving ongoing litigation.
The first breach, announced on March 30, 2024, involved a data leak discovered approximately two weeks earlier. A dataset containing personal information, including Social Security numbers, of 73 million current and former AT&T customers was found on the dark web. The exposed data dated back to 2019 or earlier, raising concerns about identity theft and fraud. The second breach, disclosed in July 2024, stemmed from an “illegal download” on a third-party cloud platform, which AT&T learned about in April. This incident compromised the telephone numbers of nearly all AT&T cellular customers and customers of other providers using AT&T’s network between May 1 and October 31, 2022.
The settlement includes a $149 million fund for the March breach and a $28 million fund for the July breach. Customers affected by either or both incidents are eligible to file claims, with notifications being sent via email by Kroll Settlement Administration. The deadline to submit claims is November 18, 2025, with a final approval hearing scheduled for December 3, 2025. However, payments will only be distributed after court approval and the resolution of any appeals, which could delay the process.
For the March breach, customers can claim up to $5,000 for documented losses occurring in 2019 or later that are “fairly traceable” to the breach. For the July breach, claims can reach up to $2,500 for losses incurred on or after April 14, 2024. Customers affected by both breaches could receive up to $7,500, provided they submit unique documentation for each loss. Alternatively, customers can opt for a tiered cash payment. Those whose Social Security numbers were exposed in the March breach are eligible for a payment five times higher than the second tier, which includes individuals with other exposed data elements. For the July breach, claimants will receive an equal share of the remaining funds. However, the settlement website notes that the exact payout amounts remain uncertain, as they depend on the number of claims filed and the funds available.
Customers seeking to file claims should monitor their email for notifications from Kroll Settlement Administration and ensure they have appropriate documentation to support their claims. The settlement website provides detailed instructions for submitting claims and outlines the process for both documented loss claims and tiered payments. As the deadline approaches, affected customers are encouraged to act promptly to secure their share of the settlement funds.
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