AT&T Data Breach Claims: What You Need to Know
The deadline for filing claims related to AT&T’s two data breaches in 2024 is rapidly approaching. Last year, the company faced significant security issues when personal information from account holders was compromised.
Details of the Data Breaches
On March 30, 2024, AT&T disclosed a troubling breach where sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, found its way onto the dark web. The company reported that this incident affected around 7.6 million current account holders and approximately 65.4 million former customers. Just a few months later, on July 12, another breach occurred, revealing that hackers had accessed six months’ worth of call and text message records for nearly all cellular network customers.
In an SEC filing, AT&T confirmed that hackers “unlawfully accessed and copied AT&T call logs” stored on a third-party cloud platform. This revelation raised significant concerns regarding the security of customer data across the network.
Proposed Settlement and Legal Proceedings
Following multiple lawsuits stemming from these incidents, a proposed settlement of $177 million has been introduced. However, it’s crucial to note that this settlement is still pending final approval, with a hearing scheduled for December 3. AT&T has maintained its position of denying any wrongdoing in connection with the breaches, asserting that it takes customer privacy seriously.
The Kroll Settlement Administration (KSA) has been designated as the administrator for the settlement, actively notifying affected individuals about their options for reimbursement.
Are You Eligible to File a Claim?
If your data was compromised in either of the breaches, you may be entitled to file a claim for compensation. The KSA has been reaching out via email to individuals eligible for claims. If you receive an email, it will come from the address attsettlement@e.emailksa.com.
If you’re uncertain about your eligibility, you can contact the KSA at (833) 890-4930 for further guidance.
Steps to File a Claim
Impacted customers can submit claims by completing an online form at www.telecomdatasettlement.com by the deadline of November 18. There is also an option to submit claims via mail, as long as the postmark is dated by the same deadline.
To initiate the claims process online, you need to provide your class member ID, email address, AT&T account number, or full name. It’s essential to understand that if the settlement is finalized and you do not opt out, you forfeit your right to pursue any legal action against AT&T.
Claim Submission Deadline
Mark your calendar: the final day to submit claims is November 18. Failing to meet this deadline means you will not receive any benefits from the settlement.
Potential Compensation Amounts
The KSA has outlined that claimants could receive up to $5,000 if affected by the March 2024 breach, while those impacted by the July 2024 incident could receive up to $2,500. Importantly, all customers seeking compensation must provide documentation validating their losses as directly linked to the AT&T data breaches. For individuals impacted by both breaches, they may qualify as overlap settlement class members, potentially entitled to receive a total of up to $7,500.
If you’re one of those affected, ensure you take the necessary steps to file your claim before the deadline. By doing so, you can seek the compensation you deserve for the inconveniences and risks posed by these breaches.
