AT&T customers could soon be eligible for part of a million-dollar class action settlement.
The mobile telecommunications company has agreed to pay a total of $177 million to settle a class action lawsuit about two alleged "data incidents" from 2024.
According to the lawsuit, both incidents resulted in some customer data, including names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth, account passcodes, billing account numbers and Social Security numbers, being put on the dark web or illegally downloaded off a third-party cloud platform.
Here's what Floridian customers need to know.
What is a class-action lawsuit?
USA TODAY explained that a class action lawsuit involves one or more people suing on behalf of themselves and others with similar claims. Once a class action lawsuit is approved, every member of the class is awarded, except for anyone who opts out of the group.
Who is eligible for the settlement? How much could I receive?
There are two subclasses that make up the Settlement Class:
Customers affected by the March 30 incident can claim up to $5,000 by providing materials for the documented loss cash payment option, according to information on the settlement website.
Those affected by the July 12 data breach could be eligible for a documented loss cash payment up to $2,500. Documented materials must be presented, according to the settlement website.
Some customers might be a part of both breaches and are referred to as "Overlap Settlement Class Members," according to the settlement website FAQ. Customers impacted by both could receive up to $7,500.
How to file a claim for the AT&T settlement
Those eligible have to submit a claim online via the AT&T Data Incident Settlement Claim Form.
What is the deadline to submit a claim?
The deadline to do that is Tuesday, Nov. 18. The claim can also be mailed and must be received or postmarked by the deadline date.
Can I exclude myself from the settlement?
Yes.
As for those wishing to exclude themselves from the class action lawsuit, to keep the possibility of making their own lawsuit related to the data breaches, they must opt out by Friday, Oct. 17.
When will I get my payment?
It is unknown when payments will go out.
The website shares that the court will hold a final approval hearing on Dec. 3 to consider approval of the settlement. However, payments could still be delayed if appeals are filed.
Contributing: Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: AT&T $177 million settlement: Floridians could receive up to $7,500
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