Millions of AT&T customers whose personal information was exposed in two separate data breaches may soon receive a share of a $177 million settlement. The payouts stem from class-action lawsuits filed after the telecom giant confirmed security incidents in 2019 and 2022.
The first breach, disclosed in 2019, involved a dataset found on the dark web containing personal data of approximately 7.6 million current account holders and 65.4 million former account holders. The second, which came to light in 2022, affected nearly all of AT&T's customers, with data downloaded to a third-party platform.
While the exact payment amounts have not been finalized, individual payouts will depend on the number of valid claims filed. Typically, in such settlements, customers who can prove they were affected and submit a claim may receive a modest check, potentially ranging from a few dollars to more than $100, depending on the total number of claimants.
Eligibility is generally limited to those whose information was compromised in the breaches and who were AT&T customers during the relevant periods. Former customers are also included, as the 2019 breach specifically impacted those who had previously held accounts.
Legal experts note that the settlement, while significant, is a fraction of AT&T's annual revenue. The company has not admitted wrongdoing but agreed to the payout to resolve litigation and avoid prolonged court battles.
How to claim your payment
Affected customers should watch for official notices via email or mail, which will include instructions on how to file a claim. It is important to act promptly once the claims process opens, as deadlines are often strict. The settlement administrator will likely set up a dedicated website where claimants can submit their information.
This settlement is part of a broader trend of large payouts for data breaches. For instance, Amazon recently agreed to a $309 million settlement over return refund disputes, and a separate $2.5 billion FTC settlement could bring expanded payouts. These cases highlight the growing financial consequences of data mishandling.
For AT&T customers, the key is to stay informed. The settlement website will provide the most up-to-date information on payout amounts and timelines. In the meantime, those affected should be cautious of scams; legitimate settlement administrators will never ask for payment or sensitive banking details to process a claim.
As the process moves forward, the court must still grant final approval, which could happen in the coming months. Once approved, payments are typically distributed within weeks.
While the payout per person may not be life-changing, it serves as a reminder of the importance of data security. For consumers, monitoring credit reports and changing passwords after breaches remains critical.
