AT&T Data Breach Settlement: How to Claim Up to $7,500

There could be cash in it if you’re a current or former AT&T customer affected by the company’s recent data breaches, because of a $177 million class-action settlement. You might get as much as $7,500 depending on which breach impacted you — and if you’re able to prove out-of-pocket losses. Here’s a look at how eligibility works, documentation you’ll need, and the quickest way to file an application.

Who Qualifies and What You Can Get from AT&T Settlement

The settlement is separated into two funds administered by Kroll Settlement Administration. One $149 million fund will cover customers whose personal information was compromised, which included names, addresses, birth dates, and Social Security numbers. A second $28 million settlement fund is available for individuals whose call and text metadata was disclosed in the incident related to Snowflake. Some people fall into both camps.

You can get up to $5,000 from the first fund (AT&T 1 Settlement Class), and you can get up to $2,500 from the second fund (AT&T 2 Settlement Class), if you submit a valid claim. Victims of both breaches could be eligible for up to a total of $7,500. Actual payments will depend on the number of approved claims and whether you submit proof that you suffered “fairly traceable” out-of-pocket losses.

Email and mailed notices of eligibility are being sent. The administrators have been sending emails from attsettlement@e.emailksa.com. If you think you are eligible and did not receive a notice, you can check your eligibility with the administrator anyway.

How to File Your Claim Quickly and What You’ll Need

The quickest route is online. Go to TelecomDataSettlement.com and choose Submit Claim. You will need to provide your Class Member ID from the notice, AT&T account number, or full name and an email address. If you did not receive your notice, search using your information or contact the administrator for assistance at 833-890-4930.

You can also begin the filing process by mail, with the relevant form (AT&T 1 or 2) as well as an overlap form for those affected by both incidents. Mail the completed and signed form to:
AT&T Data Incident Settlement
c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC
P.O. Box 5324
New York, NY 10150-5324

No matter how you file — whether online or by mail — be sure to do so before the claim deadline listed on the settlement website. If you wish to conduct your own lawsuit, you need to opt out formally by the opt-out deadline on that website.

What Qualifies as Documented Losses for This Settlement

Claimants who submit documentation of breach-related costs get preference for larger payouts. Here are examples that may be commonly approved in data breach settlements:

• Replacement identification documents
• Credit monitoring costs you paid due to the incident
• Bank fees, notary expenses, and postage related to fraud remediation
• Unreimbursed fraudulent charges
• Professional services, such as identity restoration

Retain receipts, bank letters or reports, police/FTC Identity Theft Reports, and any correspondence linking the costs to the AT&T events.

If you do not have any documentation, you can still file a claim form for unspecified loss amounts. If so, you will be eligible to make a claim and be paid a portion of any remaining funds after documented-loss claims are paid, based upon the distribution rules of the settlement.

Additional support for your claim: Is your documentation “fairly traceable” to the breaches? Match the timing of payments with when you were notified, refer to any account numbers that correspond with the compromised data, and write statements explaining why you paid each of those costs. Guidance from the Federal Trade Commission and the Identity Theft Resource Center can assist you in keeping your evidence organized.

Scams and Common Filing Mistakes to Avoid

Watch for phishing. The administrator will never ask for your Social Security number over the phone, and real emails come from the address mentioned above. If in doubt, call the settlement administrator yourself at the phone number listed on your notice or visit the website printed on it.

Common errors that slow payments are incomplete forms, missing signatures, and unclear documentation. Supply readable copies only — not originals — and retain a full set for your files. If anything changes, like your address for where the check should be sent, update the administrator immediately to avoid missing out on that payment.

What Happens After You File and How Claims Are Reviewed

Eligibility and documentation of claims are examined. If you do not want to be legally bound by the settlement, and would like to sue on your own, you must exclude yourself in writing before the deadline. Otherwise, you will be covered by the settlement and its release of all claims. A final court approval is required before payments begin, and distributions typically commence after the approval process is completed and any appeals are resolved.

How to Improve Your Future Data Protection Practices

Enable an additional passcode on your AT&T account, set a port freeze to stop unauthorized SIM swaps, and watch your accounts. You might want to put a free credit freeze on your Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion reports, and sign up for fraud alerts. The identity theft resources of the FTC also provide point-by-point recovery plans to follow if you do see misuse.

Bottom line: If you got a notice — or think you may have been affected — file a claim by the deadline on the settlement website. So long as they have proper documentation, eligible customers can recoup up to $7,500 between the two settlement funds.