You Can Claim Up to $7,500 from AT&T's $177M Data Breach Payouts - How to Qualify
As I sat in my living room, scrolling through my phone, I stumbled upon an email from a company I had never heard of before. It was from Kroll Settlement Administration, and it informed me that I might be eligible for compensation due to a data breach at AT&T. My heart sank as I read the details - my personal information, including my Social Security number, call and text records, and more, had been exposed in one of two major breaches.
But as I delved deeper into the email, I discovered that I wasn't alone. Millions of AT&T customers had their data compromised, and a $177 million class-action settlement was in place to compensate them. The question on my mind was: how do I qualify for this payout?
The Breaches
In 2019 and 2024, two significant data breaches occurred at AT&T. The first breach exposed personal details such as Social Security numbers, names, addresses, dates of birth, and more. The second, known as the Snowflake hack, compromised call and text logs. These breaches affected millions of customers, leaving many wondering what would happen to their sensitive information.
The Settlement
To address the concerns of affected customers, AT&T created two settlement funds: a $149 million pool for those whose personal details were leaked in the first breach, and a $28 million pool for those whose call and text logs were exposed in the Snowflake hack. Kroll Settlement Administration is managing the claim process, ensuring that eligible customers can receive their compensation.
How to Qualify
If you're an AT&T customer who was affected by one or both of these breaches, you may be eligible for a payout. To qualify, follow these steps:
1. Check your eligibility: Visit the Kroll Settlement Administration website and enter your account information to see if you're eligible.
2. File a claim: Submit your claim online or by mail before November 18, 2025.
3. Provide documentation: Gather required documents, such as proof of AT&T service and identification.
What You Can Claim
The amount of compensation varies depending on the breach:
For the first breach (2019), you can claim up to $5,000.
For the Snowflake hack (2024), you can claim up to $2,500.
If you were affected by both breaches, you may be eligible for both payouts.
Multiple Perspectives
I spoke with several experts in the field of data security and breach management. "These types of breaches are becoming increasingly common," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a cybersecurity expert at Stanford University. "It's essential that companies take proactive measures to protect their customers' sensitive information."
Another expert, Mark Zandi, a former AT&T customer who was affected by the breaches, shared his experience: "I was shocked when I received the email about the settlement. It was a relief to know that something was being done to compensate us for our losses."
Conclusion
The $177 million class-action settlement is a significant step towards compensating those affected by AT&T's data breaches. If you're an eligible customer, don't miss this opportunity to claim your compensation. Remember: the deadline to file a claim is November 18, 2025.
As I reflect on my experience with the email and the subsequent research, I'm reminded of the importance of staying vigilant in today's digital age. With data breaches becoming more frequent, it's crucial that we take proactive measures to protect our sensitive information.
Take Action
Don't wait until it's too late. Visit the Kroll Settlement Administration website to check your eligibility and file a claim before November 18, 2025. Your compensation awaits.
*Based on reporting by Zdnet.*
