AT&T Begins Notifying Millions of Customers of $177 Million Data Breach Settlement

Lead: AT&T started emailing notifications on September 16 to millions of current and former customers eligible to file claims in its $177 million data breach settlement, offering up to $7,500 in compensation for losses.

Nut Graf: The mass notification marks the official rollout of the class-action settlement resolving two 2024 security incidents that exposed sensitive customer data. Affected individuals now have until November 18 to submit documentation of their losses or opt for tiered cash payments before the final approval hearing on December 3.

Settlement Overview and Eligibility

AT&T agreed in March 2025 to pay $177 million to resolve lawsuits arising from:

  • A March 2024 breach that leaked Social Security numbers and other personal data of 73 million customers onto the dark web.
  • A July 2024 cloud-storage hack that exposed call and text records of nearly all AT&T cellular customers.

Customers may claim:

  • Up to $5,000 for documented losses tied to the first breach.
  • Up to $2,500 for documented losses tied to the second breach.
  • Combined total of $7,500 for those affected by both incidents.

How to File a Claim

Subheading: Notification and Claim Process

  • Notification: Impacted customers received emails from “[email protected]” with a unique Class Member ID.
  • Online Filing: Visit the settlement website, enter your Class Member ID, name and account information, and upload loss documentation.
  • Deadline: All claims must be submitted or postmarked by November 18, 2025.

Subheading: Tiered Cash Payments Eligible individuals without documentation of losses may opt for a tiered payment structure:

  • Tier 1: Recipients whose Social Security numbers were exposed receive five times the Tier 2 payment.
  • Tier 2: Lower flat payment for claims without full documentation.

Next Steps and Timeline

  • Final Approval Hearing: Scheduled December 3, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Ada Brown in the Northern District of Texas.
  • Appeals Period: If no appeals are filed post-approval, distribution of funds may commence early 2026.
  • Remaining Funds: After documented loss payouts, any residual funds will be allocated pro rata among claimants whose data was accessed.

Why This Matters

This settlement underscores the financial and reputational risks companies face following large-scale breaches. For AT&T customers, prompt action ensures timely compensation and highlights the importance of monitoring personal data in the digital age.