How to check if your data was exposed and what to do next
AT&T has reached a proposed $177 million class-action settlement to resolve lawsuits stemming from two major data-breach incidents disclosed in 2024. The deadline for filing claims is December 18. Are you eligible? See below.
The first incident (announced March 30, 2024) involved a dataset released to the dark web that included the personal information of an estimated 7.6 million current customers and 65.4 million former customers, with data reaching back into 2019 or earlier, APreported.The second (announced July 12, 2024) involved call and text-record metadata from a third-party cloud platform, covering many users from MayOctober 2022 and into January 2023.
Under the settlement terms:
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The first breach class (AT&T 1) is backed by a cash fund of roughly $149 million.
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The second breach class (AT&T 2) is backed by about $28 million.
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Combined: $177 million to settle both incidents.
Who is eligible & how much they might get:
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If your data was part of the first incident and you can show a Documented Loss, you may claim up to $5,000.
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If your data was part of the second incident, you can claim up to $2,500 for documented losses.
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If you were impacted by both incidents (overlap settlement class member), you may be eligible to claim from both funds in theory up to $7,500.
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Even if you did not incur identifiable out-of-pocket losses, you still may qualify for a Tier or pro-rata share payment, though the actual per-person amount will depend on how many valid claims are submitted, attorney fees and administration costs, and how the court approves the payout, according to Telecom Data Settlement.
Important deadlines:
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Claim submission must be completed online or by mail (post-marked) by December 18, 2025.
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If you want to opt-out (i.e., exclude yourself from the class so you could sue separately) or object to the settlement, the deadline was November 17, 2025.
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The final approval hearing in court is scheduled for January 15, 2026 for final sign-off.
Claim process:
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Go to the official settlement website: telecomdatasettlement.com the site managed by the settlement administrator, Kroll Settlement Administration LLC.
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Enter your Class Member ID (should have been mailed or emailed) or your AT&T account number/name to check eligibility.
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Choose your class (first incident, second incident or both).
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Submit the completed claim form and, if youre claiming documented losses, attach supporting documentation (receipts, bank statements, identity-theft costs, freezing of credit, etc.).
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Alternatively, if you cannot document specific losses, you may still file for a Tier Cash Payment or Tier 3 payment depending on class.
Why it matters:
This settlement is one of the larger telecom-data-breach class settlements, and it underscores increasing consumer risk: even large national carriers are vulnerable, and consumers personal & communication metadata can get exposed.
Prevention tips for the future
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Check your accounts for suspicious activity (e.g., new lines, new services, unrecognized bills) especially if you are or were an AT&T wireless or broadband customer.
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Review your credit reports at least annually (and consider freezing your credit if you suspect misuse).
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Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) especially for voicemail, account portals, and related services.
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Be alert for phishing or unsolicited calls/texts referencing your AT&T account or data breach attackers may attempt to leverage the breach news.
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Regularly monitor your wireless account lines/devices; if you notice new SIM activations or devices you didnt add, contact AT&T immediately.
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Maintain documentation of any out-of-pocket costs (identity-theft resolution services, credit monitoring, lost time) in case you want to submit a future claim for breach-related losses.
What to do if youre an AT&T customer potentially affected
Step-by-step:
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Visit the settlement website: telecomdatasettlement.com and enter your Class Member ID or search by your account info/name.
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Confirm your eligibility (which class you fall into: first or second breach, or both).
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Decide: Do you want to file a claim? (Yes = proceed). Do you want to opt out? (Only do if you want to retain right to sue separately.)
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If filing, choose whether you will claim Documented Loss (needs proofs) or Tier/Pro-rata Payment (requires less documentation but may pay less).
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Fill out the claim form carefully include accurate account numbers, dates, description of loss (if any) and attach supporting documents.
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Submit the form online by Dec. 18, 2025 or mail it with a post-mark by that date to:
AT&T Data Incident Settlement
c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC
P.O. Box 5324
New York, NY 10150-5324 (Telecom Data Settlement) -
After submission, keep a copy of everything you submitted and note your claim ID. Monitor email/website for updates on distribution of payment once court gives final approval.
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If you believe you were excluded or erroneously not notified, call the settlement administrator: (833) 890-4930.
Posted: 2025-11-18 18:52:59
