AT&T customers across the U.S. are racing against the clock as one of the largest consumer data-breach settlements in recent memory enters its final stretch — a $177 million payout tied to two massive security failures that exposed millions of customers’ Social Security numbers, call logs, and account details. And with the claim deadline now set for November 18, 2025, the window for filing is tightening fast.
The case stems from two separate breaches disclosed in March and July 2024, each affecting different categories of personal data and spawning two distinct settlement classes. Some customers qualify for both, meaning payouts could reach as high as $7,500 — a rare figure in consumer-privacy settlements.
What’s Driving This Huge Payout?
Back in March 2024, AT&T confirmed one of the largest leaks in its history: a trove of personal data from over 7.6 million current and 65 million former customers had been posted to the dark web. The exposed information included:
- Social Security numbers
- Customer names
- Birthdates
- Account passcodes
- Billing ZIP codes
Then, in July 2024, a second breach came to light — this time involving call and text metadata harvested from a third-party cloud provider. Though content wasn’t exposed, the sheer scale raised alarms, with records affecting nearly all cellular customers.
Faced with two high-profile security failures, AT&T agreed to settle — while still denying wrongdoing — in order to put the lawsuits behind it and avoid years of litigation.
AT&T Customers Now Have Two Ways to Qualify for Compensation
The settlement is split into two distinct classes, each tied to a separate breach:
1. AT&T 1 Settlement Class (March 2024 breach)
Covers anyone whose personal identifiable information (PII) — including SSNs — was leaked.
Maximum payout: $5,000
2. AT&T 2 Settlement Class (July 2024 breach)
Covers customers whose call/text metadata was exposed.
Maximum payout: $2,500
Total possible payout if you’re in both:
$7,500
Impacted users have been notified via:
- Email (from attsettlement@e.emailksa.com)
- SMS
- Postal mail
Active customers may also see alerts in their AT&T online dashboards.
How to File Your AT&T Settlement Claim
You’ll need your Class Member ID, included in the emailed or mailed notice. The claims portal requires one of the following:
- Class Member ID
- AT&T account number
- Email address
- Full name
After verifying your identity, you’ll select a payment method — direct deposit or a paper check.
Important:
If you want to opt out or object, those requests must be physically mailed by November 17, 2025.
Key Settlement Deadlines and Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug. 4 – Oct. 17, 2025 | Settlement notices distributed |
| Nov. 17, 2025 | Opt-out & objection deadline (must be mailed) |
| Nov. 18, 2025 | Final date to submit settlement claim |
| Dec. 3, 2025 | Final approval hearing |
If approved, payments will typically be issued within 60–90 days.
How Much Money You Could Receive
Payouts depend on:
- How many people file claims
- Whether you’re in one or both classes
- The size of your documented financial losses
Examples include:
- Identity-theft costs
- Fraudulent-charge reimbursement
- Credit-monitoring expenses
- Time spent addressing the breach
Claimants in the first breach can receive up to $5,000, while those in the second can receive up to $2,500.
What AT&T Says Happened
In an SEC filing, AT&T clarified the July breach exposed:
- Call logs
- Call durations
- Phone-number interaction counts
- Call timestamps
The company emphasized no message or call content was compromised. For the earlier breach, investigators tied much of the leaked data to older customer records dating back to 2019.
Since then, AT&T says it’s strengthened internal systems, reviewed its cloud-storage security practices, and implemented new safeguards.
What You Should Do Right Now
- Search your inbox (and spam folder) for attsettlement@e.emailksa.com
- Check your AT&T account dashboard for alerts
- Organize any proof of financial harm
- File your claim before November 18, 2025
With nearly 70 million customers caught up in these incidents, consumer-protection attorneys expect a high volume of claims.
FAQs
1. What is this AT&T settlement about?
It compensates customers whose personal data and call metadata were exposed during two 2024 data breaches.
2. How much can I receive?
Up to $7,500, depending on which breaches affected you and what losses you can document.
3. How do I know if I’m eligible?
AT&T’s settlement administrator sends notices via email, mail, or text. You may also see an alert in your AT&T account.
4. What do I need to file a claim?
Your Class Member ID, AT&T account number, or identifying information.
5. When is the deadline?
November 18, 2025.
6. How will I be paid?
Direct deposit or paper check, depending on what you choose.
