Sunita Somvanshi
AT&T agreed to pay $177 million to settle lawsuits over two major data breaches affecting millions of customers. Claims are open until November 18, 2025.
What Happened
The first breach (disclosed March 2024) involved data from 2019 or earlier and exposed personal data of 7.6 million current and 65.4 million former customers, including Social Security numbers and birth dates.
The second “Snowflake” breach (disclosed July 2024) compromised call and text metadata for about 109 million customers, including phone numbers interacted with, counts, and durations, but not the content of communications.
Money Details
The settlement allocates $149 million for the data set disclosed in March 2024 (from 2019 or earlier) and $28 million for the July 2024 Snowflake incident.
Customers could receive:
- Up to $5,000 for documented losses tied to the March 2024 data set
- Up to $2,500 for documented losses tied to the July 2024 incident
- Tiered payments for those without documented losses
Judge Ada Brown granted preliminary approval in June 2025, with a final approval hearing scheduled for December 3, 2025.
Claim Process
To file by November 18, 2025:
- Check mail for your Class Member ID from Kroll Settlement Administration
- Or call 833-890-4930
- File online at telecomdatasettlement.com
Payments will begin after final approval and resolution of any appeals, which could be in early 2026.
Security Steps
If affected:
- Consider credit freezes with major credit bureaus
- Switch from SMS-based authentication to app-based methods
- Monitor credit reports and account activity
- Use strong unique passwords and multi-factor authentication
The settlement follows AT&T’s $13 million FCC resolution related to a separate January 2023 third-party vendor cloud incident affecting approximately 8.9 million customers.
States with the largest AT&T wireless customer bases are likely to have high claimant counts.The report covered the AT&T data breach settlement, including breach details, compensation amounts, filing process, and security recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)1. Am I eligible to file a claim?
If you are a current or former AT&T customer whose data was part of the incidents covered, you may be eligible. There are two separate classes for the two breaches. You can file for one or both if each affected you.
2. How can I tell if my data was impacted?
Kroll, the settlement administrator, is sending notices by email, letter, or postcard. If you got a notice it will include a Class Member ID. If you did not get a notice but think you were affected, check the settlement website or call the administrator to confirm.
3. What is the deadline to file a claim?
The deadline to submit a claim is November 18, 2025. Claims must be filed online at the settlement site or mailed with a postmark by that date. Do not miss this deadline if you want compensation.
4. How much money can I receive?
If you can show documented losses tied to a breach, you could get up to $5,000 for the 2019 incident and up to $2,500 for the 2024 Snowflake incident. If you cannot prove losses, smaller tiered or pro-rata payments may be available.
5. What counts as “documented loss” and what proof is needed?
Documented loss means out-of-pocket costs you can prove. Examples are bills, receipts, bank or credit-card statements showing fraudulent charges, police or fraud reports, or invoices for credit monitoring you paid for. Keep copies of paperwork when you file.
6. How do I file a claim?
Gather your Class Member ID from the notice. Visit the official settlement website and complete the online claim form. If you do not have internet access, you can print the PDF claim form and mail it before the deadline. The administrator also has a phone line to help.
7. What should my family do now to stay safe?
Place a credit freeze or fraud alert if you see suspicious activity. Move from SMS-based two-factor codes to an authenticator app or hardware key. Check bank and card statements often. Save any bills or receipts tied to fraud so you can support a claim.
8. I didn’t get a notice. Who do I contact?
If you think you were affected but got no notice, go to the settlement website and use the contact options. You can also call the administrator’s helpline to ask whether you are in the class and to get a Class Member ID if eligible.
Tip: Keep one folder with your notices, receipts and reports. It makes filing smoother and faster.
