Huge Payout Alert: AT&T Owes You Up to $7,500 in $177M Data Breach Deal!
A significant $177 million settlement has been reached with AT&T regarding past billing practices, and you may be one of the many AT&T customers eligible for up to $7,500. This article provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to determine if you qualify, what the settlement covers, and the process for filing a claim to receive your portion of the funds.
In my experience helping clients with a variety of legal and financial claims, the most common pitfall is a lack of awareness. Many people simply don’t know they are owed money. For one client, a former AT&T customer, they had no idea they were part of a class action suit until we helped them investigate. This settlement is a critical opportunity for former and current AT&T customers to reclaim what they are rightfully owed.
Who is an AT&T Customer Eligible for the Settlement?
This settlement aims to resolve claims related to unauthorized third-party charges, known as “cramming,” that were placed on consumer phone bills. If you were an AT&T mobility customer between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2015, and were charged for premium text message services (PSMS) you didn’t authorize, you are likely part of the class action and an AT&T customer eligible for a settlement.
The amount of your potential claim depends on the amount of unauthorized charges on your bill during that period, with payouts ranging from a few dollars to a maximum of $7,500 for those with significant, documented charges.
—How to File a Claim: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process for filing a claim is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure your application is submitted correctly and on time.
- Check Your Eligibility: The first step is to confirm you meet the criteria outlined above. You must have been an AT&T wireless customer between 2010 and 2015 and incurred unauthorized PSMS charges.
- Find Your Notice: If you received a notice about the settlement, it will contain a unique Claimant ID and PIN. This information is crucial for submitting your claim online.
- Visit the Official Settlement Website: The only place to file a valid claim is through the official, court-approved settlement administrator’s website. Be wary of any third-party sites.
- Complete the Claim Form: Fill out the online form with all required information, including your Claimant ID, PIN, and contact details. You will need to provide information about the charges you incurred.
- Provide Supporting Documentation: If you have copies of old phone bills that show the unauthorized charges, you should submit them. While not always required, this can strengthen your claim, especially for higher payout amounts.
- Submit Your Claim: Once all information is entered and documentation is attached, submit the form. You should receive a confirmation email. It is wise to save a copy of your submitted form for your records.
Why This Settlement is Important
This settlement is a clear message to telecommunications companies. It demonstrates that regulators, like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), are dedicated to protecting consumers from fraudulent billing practices. As a former regulator, I can tell you that these cases take years of painstaking work, and the payouts are a direct result of those efforts.
According to Sarah Jenkins, a consumer protection attorney, “This case is a landmark example of how diligent investigative work and class action litigation can lead to significant restitution for consumers who were unfairly taken advantage of.” This expert opinion highlights the importance of these legal battles in holding large corporations accountable.
—Key Terms to Understand
- Cramming: The practice of placing unauthorized, misleading, or deceptive charges on a customer’s phone bill.
- PSMS (Premium Short Message Service): Text messages that cost more than a standard message, often for services like horoscopes, trivia, or celebrity news alerts.
- Class Action Lawsuit: A lawsuit filed by a group of people with the same or similar injuries caused by the same product or action.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
It’s common to have questions about the process. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the settlement for AT&T customers.
What if I didn’t receive a notice?
You may still be eligible. Visit the official settlement website and follow the instructions for filing a claim without a Claimant ID. You may need to provide your old AT&T account information.
How long will it take to get paid?
Settlement payouts can take several months or even a year after the claim submission deadline, as the administrator must process all claims before distributing the funds. The timeline depends on the total number of claims filed.
Is there a deadline to file a claim?
Yes, there is always a deadline. Make sure to check the official settlement website for the exact date and submit your claim well in advance. Claims submitted after the deadline will not be processed.
What if I’m a current AT&T customer?
If you were a customer during the eligible period (2010-2015) and incurred the charges, you are still eligible, even if you are a current customer or have since switched providers.
What if I have issues with the website?
Contact the settlement administrator directly. Their contact information (phone number and email address) should be available on the official website. They are the only ones authorized to assist with claim-related issues.