Unlock Up to $7,500: How AT&T’s $177 Million Data Breach Settlement Could Benefit You

AT&T is offering millions of customers a chance to file claims for cash payments due to data breaches that occurred in 2024. The total settlement amount is $177 million, with claims potentially reaching up to $7,500 for affected customers.

The company faced serious issues when it announced two data breaches earlier this year. The first breach, reported in March, revealed information from around 73 million customers, including sensitive data like Social Security numbers. This data appeared on the dark web and dated back to as far as 2019.

About four months later, another breach came to light. AT&T attributed this incident to a third-party cloud provider, stating that it involved nearly all cellular customers’ phone numbers from a specific time period in 2022.

The settlement includes a significant financial breakdown: $149 million for the first breach and $28 million for the second. Customers whose data was compromised in either or both breaches are eligible to file a claim. AT&T is working with Kroll Settlement Administration to notify affected individuals via email.

The deadline to file a claim is November 18, with a court hearing for final approval set for December 3. AT&T also mentioned that the payout process will begin after the settlement is approved and any potential appeals are resolved.

Customers impacted by the March incident could receive up to $5,000, while those affected by the July breach are eligible for claims up to $2,500. If a customer experienced both breaches, they might qualify for a total of $7,500, although they’ll need to provide documentation for each loss separately.

Interestingly, Social Security number exposure carries a higher claim tier. Those who had their Social Security numbers compromised in the March breach might receive five times more than those affected by the July incident. While these figures sound promising, there’s no guarantee that any individual will receive a substantial payout due to the variable nature of total claims.

AT&T maintains that it denies any wrongdoing regarding the lawsuits linked to these breaches. The company has emphasized its commitment to data protection and customer trust. Even with the challenges faced this year, AT&T asserts that the March breach is not related to the July incident.

The impacts of these breaches highlight a growing concern for many in the digital age. According to a recent survey by IBM, data breaches have increased by 10% since last year, emphasizing the vulnerabilities businesses face today. This has led to calls for better data security measures across all industries.

As customers navigate these changes, many are turning to social media to express their opinions about AT&T’s handling of the situation. The sentiments range from anger about the breach to support for the company’s efforts in resolving it through the settlement.

For more details, customers can visit the settlement website for guidelines on how to file their claims and learn more about their rights.

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