AT&T to Pay $177 Million in Landmark Data Breach Settlement

AT&T has agreed to a $177 million settlement over two major data breaches from 2024. The deal impacts millions of current and former customers across the United States. Affected individuals must file a claim by December 18, 2025, to receive compensation.

The settlement resolves class action lawsuits alleging the telecom giant failed to protect sensitive customer information. AT&T did not admit any wrongdoing as part of the agreement, according to Reuters.

Details of the 2024 Data Breaches

The first security incident occurred in March 2024. It involved a massive dataset that appeared on the dark web. The leaked information included full names, Social Security numbers, and passcodes.

A second, separate breach was disclosed in July 2024. This incident exposed customer call and text records. Data stolen included phone numbers and call durations.

Some customers were affected by both security failures. These individuals could be eligible for a larger compensation amount from the total settlement fund.

Who Qualifies for a Payment?

You are likely part of the settlement if you received a notification from AT&T about either breach. The class includes all U.S. consumers whose information was compromised. This covers both current and former account holders.

There are different compensation tiers based on the type of data exposed and any losses suffered. Customers who can prove they lost money due to the breaches may claim higher amounts. Others can receive a standard payment for the exposure of their personal details.

All claims require verification. The final payment amounts will depend on how many people submit valid claims.

How to File Your Claim Before the Deadline

The deadline to submit a claim is fast approaching. You must file online or by mail no later than December 18, 2025. The process is managed through a dedicated settlement website.

You will need to provide basic information to verify your identity. This includes your name and contact details. You may also need to submit documentation if you are claiming specific financial losses.

The court will hold a final approval hearing in early 2026. If approved, payments will be distributed later that year. It is crucial to act now to secure your compensation.

This $177 million settlement serves as a significant reminder of the importance of corporate data security. Affected AT&T customers have a final opportunity to claim their share. The AT&T data breach settlement underscores the real-world consequences of digital security failures.

Info at your fingertips

Who is eligible for the AT&T data breach settlement?

Current and former AT&T customers whose personal data was exposed in the March or July 2024 breaches are eligible. You should have received a notice if you are affected. Check the official settlement website for confirmation.

What is the maximum payment I can receive?

The maximum individual payout can reach $7,500 for customers impacted by both breaches. Most claimants will receive a smaller, pro-rated amount based on the total number of valid claims submitted against the $177 million fund.

What is the deadline to file a claim?

All claims must be submitted by December 18, 2025. This deadline is strict, and late submissions will not be accepted. The final fairness hearing is scheduled for January 2026.

What information was exposed in the breaches?

The March breach exposed full names, Social Security numbers, and account passcodes. The July breach compromised telephone numbers and detailed call records. The data was leaked onto the dark web.

Do I need to provide documentation?

You need basic information to verify your identity for a standard claim. If you are seeking reimbursement for specific financial losses, you must provide documents like bank statements or police reports as proof.

What if I want to exclude myself from the settlement?

The deadline to exclude yourself from the settlement was November 18, 2025. By excluding yourself, you retain the right to sue AT&T individually but forfeit any payment from this settlement.

Trusted Sources

Associated Press, Reuters