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AT&T customers may get $7,500 in a $175 million settlement — see if you are eligible and how to file fast

AT&T customers may get $7,500 in a $175 million settlement — see if you are eligible and how to file fast

Economic Times3 days ago
Two Major Breaches Exposed Millions of AT&T Customer Records
Live Events
AT&T Data Breach Settlement Reached
Who Is Eligible to File the AT&T Settlement Claim?
How to File the AT&T Settlement Claim?
How Much Can You Receive?
Up to $5,000: If your data was compromised in the first breach (March 2024) and you can document losses from 2019 onward that are traceable to the breach, according to the report.
Up to $2,500: If you were affected by the second breach (July 2024) and can show losses from April 14, 2024, or later, as per the CBS News report.
Up to $7,500: If you were impacted by both breaches, you fall into what the settlement calls the 'overlap settlement class,' and may be eligible for the full combined amount, according to the CBS News report.
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Millions of AT&T customers could be eligible for payments of up to $7,500 as part of a sweeping $177 million legal settlement tied to two massive data breaches and the clock is ticking to file a claim, as per a report.The breaches, which compromised sensitive personal data like Social Security numbers, birth dates, and call records, triggered widespread legal action and concern across the United States, according to CBS News. Now, impacted customers have a chance to get compensation, but only if they file claim by November 18, 2025, as per the report.The first breach, which was publicly disclosed in March 2024, exposed the data of 73 million current and former AT&T account holders, according to the CBS News. Information from that breach, including names, SSNs, and other personal details, was later found circulating on the dark web, as per the CBS News report.Just months later, a second breach was revealed in July 2024, when hackers reportedly accessed AT&T data stored on a third-party cloud platform, according to the report. This incident affected "nearly all" AT&T wireless customers, leaking sensitive call and text records, as reported by CBS News.ALSO READ: Mystery Bitcoin investor turns $50 into millions with mind-blowing 59,999,900% return - here's his story Following public outcry and a flurry of lawsuits, the cases were consolidated into two class-action lawsuits, as per the report. On August 4, 2025, the settlement administrator, Kroll Settlement Administration, announced that a proposed settlement had been reached for $177 million, with $149 million earmarked for the first settlement class and $28 million set aside for the second settlement class, as reported by CBS News. A federal judge in Texas will decide whether to finalize the deal at a hearing on December 3, 2025, according to the report.ALSO READ: Opendoor CEO Carrie Wheeler quits suddenly, stock jumps 9% as Shrisha Radhakrishna steps in as new president If you were an AT&T past or present customer, whose data was exposed in either breach (or both), you may qualify to file for compensation, as per the CBS News report.Notices are being emailed to affected customers from the email address "" but even if you didn't receive an email, you can check your eligibility or ask questions by calling the claims administrator directly at, as reported by CBS News.ALSO READ: 10 must-change iOS 18.6 settings that'll make your iPhone feel like day one again To receive compensation, you must submit a claim form no later than November 18, 2025 and the claims can be filed online at the official settlement website, according to the report.But be aware that filing a claim waives your right to sue AT&T separately over these breaches, so read the terms carefully before proceeding, as per the CBS News report.As per the CBS News report, customers must provide documentation showing that the losses they incurred are "fairly traceable" to the AT&T data breaches.ALSO READ: As the July jobs report paints a grim picture, 114 companies plan layoffs in August - is yours on the list? If your personal information was exposed in either the March or July 2024 breach, you may qualify, so, check your email or call the claims administrator to confirm, as per the CBS News report.You could receive up to $7,500 if you were affected by both breaches and have valid documented losses.
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Social Security tremors hit Americans: Cuts in 46 states leave millions of retirees facing delays — are $2,000 benefits at risk?
Social Security tremors hit Americans: Cuts in 46 states leave millions of retirees facing delays — are $2,000 benefits at risk?

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Social Security tremors hit Americans: Cuts in 46 states leave millions of retirees facing delays — are $2,000 benefits at risk?

Social Security cuts in 46 states: What retirees need to know as delays mount and $2,000 benefits face new risks: For decades, Social Security has been the bedrock of retirement in America — a monthly check that millions of seniors depend on for food, housing, and medical care. But today, that safety net is showing cracks. Between March 2024 and March 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) cut about 12% of its workforce — nearly 7,000 jobs. Those reductions, spread across 46 states and Washington, D.C., are already creating longer delays, fewer in-person services, and growing anxiety among retirees who rely on their $2,000 average monthly benefit. Why is Social Security downsizing staff right now? Earlier this year, the Trump administration launched a government-wide efficiency drive led by the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, headed at the time by Elon Musk. As part of that initiative, the SSA offered buyouts and early retirement packages to thousands of employees — including many front-line workers in local field offices. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ar-rodh Oalmqyas: Unsold Sofas Prices May Surprise You (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo Officials argue the move is not about weakening the program, but modernizing it. SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano has said the agency is 'transforming the customer experience' with more digital tools and data-driven monitoring. In fact, he pointed to shorter average wait times at some field offices — 23 minutes this year compared to 30 last year — as proof that efficiency is improving. Live Events But advocacy groups and employee unions warn that those numbers don't tell the full story. Losing experienced staff, they say, is already leaving retirees stranded, especially in rural communities where internet service is unreliable and local offices are scarce. Which states are hit hardest by Social Security staff cuts? The Strategic Organizing Center (SOC) found that nearly every state lost staff between March 2024 and March 2025: Wyoming saw the steepest decline, with 17% of its SSA workforce gone. Montana followed with a 14% drop. West Virginia, Hawaii, and New Mexico each lost around 10–11%. Only Nebraska and Alaska gained staff — but together, they added just seven workers. For retirees in remote areas, that means longer drives to find an open office, fewer in-person appointments, and weeks (sometimes months) of waiting for critical benefits to process. What does this mean for retirees waiting on benefits? For seniors living paycheck to paycheck, delays aren't just an inconvenience — they're life-altering. Jessica LaPointe, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 220, put it bluntly: 'When it takes too long to get your benefits into your bank account after you file because of the understaffing situation, you're going months and months without needed income that was promised to you because you paid in your whole life.' That gap can mean late rent, skipped prescriptions, or debt just to cover groceries. And while the Social Security Fairness Act restored some benefits previously reduced by older rules, the current bottleneck is administrative — which means no law can speed up delayed checks until staffing improves. Can technology really replace lost staff? The SSA's plan is clear: reduce its workforce from nearly 57,000 in 2024 to about 50,000 by the end of fiscal 2025, while shifting more services online. On paper, that saves money and keeps the agency in step with digital trends. But here's the problem: nearly one in four retirees either lacks reliable internet or struggles with digital literacy. For those people — often the most vulnerable — online portals are not a substitute for a real person walking them through a complicated appeal or Medicare application. Advocacy group Social Security Works warns that by losing thousands of seasoned employees, the SSA is effectively trading institutional knowledge for untested efficiency experiments. 'Catastrophic damage' is how they described the cuts. Should retirees be worried about their $2,000 benefits? The biggest question: Will my Social Security check stop? The answer is no — benefits themselves aren't being cut. What's at risk is timely access . If you need to file a new claim, update your information, or appeal a decision, you may now face major delays. For retirees relying on every dollar of their monthly check, those delays could feel like a cut. The average monthly benefit for retired workers is about $2,000 . A delay of even two months means seniors are suddenly short $4,000 — money that was supposed to cover essentials like rent, utilities, and prescriptions. Much of the SSA's buyout program rolled out after March 2025, meaning the full impact of staff reductions may not even be visible yet. Analysts expect the strain on field offices to worsen before it improves. The real test will be whether the SSA's digital tools can keep up with demand. If they can't, millions of retirees could be left waiting, wondering whether the safety net they paid into their whole lives will still be there when they need it most. States That Tax Social Security Benefits The following states impose taxes on Social Security benefits: Colorado Connecticut Kansas Minnesota Missouri Montana Nebraska New Mexico Rhode Island Utah Vermont West Virginia The Future of Social Security Access Looking ahead, the challenges facing the Social Security system are unlikely to disappear quickly. Staffing shortages are still acute, and demand for services continues to grow as the population ages. For retirees, staying informed and proactive has never been more critical. Understanding one's rights, eligibility, and the resources available online or through local offices can make a tangible difference. Many retirees are turning to digital services for account management, direct deposit setup, and benefit tracking to bypass some of the in-person hurdles. While digital access does not fully replace human assistance, it can reduce delays and ensure critical information is up to date. Advocacy also plays a crucial role. Increased funding and staffing for the SSA is essential to restore timely service and maintain the integrity of the benefits system. Retirees and their families can engage with local representatives to voice concerns and push for solutions that protect the millions who depend on Social Security. Practical Steps Retirees Can Take While systemic fixes are in progress, retirees can take several steps to mitigate the impact of service delays: Monitor your benefits regularly – Use online portals to track payments and upcoming adjustments. Schedule appointments early – Anticipate potential delays by booking well in advance. Document all communications – Keep records of calls, emails, and notices to avoid misunderstandings. Plan for contingencies – Maintain a small emergency fund to cover unexpected gaps in income. Seek professional advice – Financial planners or retirement counselors can help optimize benefit timing and tax strategies. By adopting these practices, retirees can reduce the stress associated with administrative delays and better safeguard their financial stability. FAQs: How do Social Security cuts impact retirees? Social Security cuts impact retirees by causing delays in benefits and longer wait times. What benefits does the Social Security Fairness Act provide? Social Security Fairness Act benefits restore lost payments for retirees affected by prior rules.

Social security windfall: Retirees could see up to $5,108 deposited this week - who qualifies for the payout
Social security windfall: Retirees could see up to $5,108 deposited this week - who qualifies for the payout

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Social security windfall: Retirees could see up to $5,108 deposited this week - who qualifies for the payout

Social Security August 2025 payments : Millions of Americans who depend on Social Security will see their weekly payments this week, with some retired workers possibly receiving deposits of up to $5,108, the top benefit for people who waited until age 70 to start receiving, as per a report. Social Security Payments Arriving This Week The Social Security Administration (SSA) handles payments for more than 70 million recipients, such as retirees, disabled workers, and survivors of deceased wage earners, according to Newsweek. In order to process this huge volume of recipients, the agency distributes payments throughout the month, as per the report. This Wednesday, August 20, those who get retirement, spousal, or survivor benefits and have birthdays between the 11th and 20th of any month will receive their payments, as per the Newsweek report. ALSO READ: Meet Nick Molnar: The man behind Afterpay's buy now, pay later platform, who sold it for $29 billion How Much Can You Expect? Average vs. Maximum Benefit Breakdown On average, Social Security benefits were around $2,002 a month as of May 2025, according to the report. But what you get depends a lot on your lifetime earnings and when you start collecting, as per the Newsweek report. Live Events A SSA spokesperson explained that "The average Social Security benefit amount changes monthly," adding, "Social Security benefits are based on a worker's highest 35 years of earnings. As wages tend to rise over time, each new group of retirees raises the average benefit amount, since their benefit calculations typically reflect higher earnings," as quoted in the report. If you start at the earliest age of 62, you could get up to $2,831 per month, waiting until full retirement age of 67 years raises that to a maximum of $4,018, reported Newsweek. But if you hold off until age 70, you could receive the highest possible payout, $5,108 each month, according to the report. ALSO READ: MSNBC to ditch its name and iconic peacock logo — say hello to MS Now this year COLA Increase Coming in 2026: What Retirees Can Expect Social Security payments increase yearly to keep up with inflation through a cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, as per the report. This year's increase was 2.5% and took effect in January 2025, according to Newsweek. The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), a nonprofit that tracks these adjustments, has raised its outlook for next year, it expects next year's COLA to be a bit higher, around 2.7% due to rising prices, reported Newsweek. TSCL executive director, Shannon Benton said "With the COLA announcement around the corner, seniors across America are holding their breath," as quoted in the report. Benton added that, "While a higher COLA would be welcome because their monthly benefits will increase, many will be disappointed. TSCL's research shows that many seniors believe the COLA does not adequately capture the inflation they experience," as quoted in the Newsweek report. The official COLA for 2026 will be announced by the SSA in October and would start showing up in payments from January, according to the report. ALSO READ: Giant Wyoming data center to guzzle 5x more power than residents, but the user remains secret Missed Your Check? Upcoming Social Security Payment Dates to Know If your payment doesn't arrive on August 20, there are more dates to watch for: August 27: Payments go out to those with birthdays between the 21st and 31st, as per Newsweek. August 29: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will be sent early this month because September 1 is Labor Day, according to the report. If you don't get your payment when expected, it's best to wait three working days before contacting SSA to check, as per the Newsweek report. ALSO READ: 10 must-change iOS 18.6 settings that'll make your iPhone feel like day one again FAQs When will I get my Social Security check this month? If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, you'll receive your payment on Wednesday, August 20, as per the Newsweek report. What if I don't receive my payment on time? Wait three business days, then contact the SSA if the payment hasn't arrived, as per the Newsweek report.

3 upcoming crypto IPOs to watch after Circle and Bullish's Wall Street-rocking debuts — Grayscale, Gemini, BitGo gear up for listings
3 upcoming crypto IPOs to watch after Circle and Bullish's Wall Street-rocking debuts — Grayscale, Gemini, BitGo gear up for listings

Economic Times

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  • Economic Times

3 upcoming crypto IPOs to watch after Circle and Bullish's Wall Street-rocking debuts — Grayscale, Gemini, BitGo gear up for listings

Synopsis Crypto IPOs are making waves after Circle and Bullish's Wall Street debuts rocked the market. Investors are flocking to companies that sell access to the crypto boom rather than the assets themselves. Circle (CRCL) surged over 400% since its IPO, while Bullish (BLSH) nearly doubled, showing strong investor appetite. Following their success, Grayscale, Gemini, and BitGo are now preparing their IPOs, offering opportunities for early investors. Crypto IPOs are capturing Wall Street's attention like never before. After Circle and Bullish's market-shaking debuts, investors are rushing to get a piece of companies that provide access to the booming crypto industry. Now, Grayscale, Gemini, and BitGo are preparing to hit Wall Street, creating new opportunities for early investors. Three upcoming crypto IPOs investors should keep an eye on after Circle and Bullish's Wall Street debuts rock the market- Love it or hate it, crypto continues to generate extraordinary amounts of money. Whether you see it as a transformative technology or a speculative bubble, the profits are undeniable. And while Bitcoin and Ethereum grab the headlines with record highs, some of the real winners are the companies selling access to this digital gold rush. There's an old saying: the ones who made the most money during the gold rush were the people selling pickaxes. In today's crypto boom, that role has been played by platforms like Robinhood (HOOD) and Coinbase (COIN). Both struggled after their splashy 2021 IPOs, but with speculative trading roaring back, their stocks have gone vertical—Robinhood is up 475% in the past year, while Coinbase has climbed 62%. ALSO READ: Bitcoin crashes to $115,000 after record high as $500 million liquidation shock hits crypto The excitement has only intensified with Circle and Bullish's Wall Street debuts rocking the market. Circle Technology (CRCL), creator of the USDC stablecoin, has soared more than 400% since its IPO. Bullish (BLSH), a crypto exchange and media group that went public just last week, has nearly doubled in value. These performances have proved that demand for crypto IPOs is alive and well—and that investors are eager to ride the wave. Without Grayscale, the crypto ETF market might still be years away. The company pioneered mainstream crypto exposure with its Grayscale Bitcoin Trust and Ethereum Trust, long before traditional asset managers entered the space. Today, it manages over $33 billion in digital assets across dozens of products. In July, reports confirmed that Grayscale had confidentially filed for an IPO—a move that would allow it to turn its steady stream of management fees into a public-market success story. The Winklevoss twins may not have won their battle with Mark Zuckerberg, but they've built their own crypto empire with Gemini. The exchange has become one of the more established centralized platforms in the U.S., and with crypto markets running hot again, the timing couldn't be better for a public listing. The firm reportedly filed confidentially for an IPO earlier this year, and if valuations mirror its last fundraising round in November 2021, Gemini could be aiming for around $7.1 billion. Behind the scenes, BitGo has become one of the largest names in crypto custody, safeguarding more than $100 billion in digital assets. It caters to exchanges, asset managers, and institutions with a suite of services—everything from simple storage to staking, trading, and lending. With assets nearly doubling over the past year, the company looks well-positioned for prime time. While BitGo's last known valuation was $1.75 billion in August 2023, its confidential IPO filing suggests it's preparing for a much larger stage. No IPO is a sure thing, especially when both U.S. stock indexes and crypto markets are sitting at record levels. Short-term traders may see opportunity in the hype-driven pops that often follow high-profile listings. Platforms like Robinhood and SoFi even give retail investors the chance to request shares at IPO prices. For long-term holders, however, the real test will come when financial details are made public. Many of these filings remain confidential, and investors will need to scrutinize revenue, profitability, and growth before deciding if these companies are more than just momentum plays. If you're a crypto believer, buying into these IPOs could be a bet on the industry's next phase. But as history has shown, the sector is volatile—and fortunes can shift quickly. Q1: What makes Circle IPO successful, Bullish IPO surge? Circle and Bullish's IPOs soared due to strong demand for crypto market access. Q2: Which crypto firms are filing IPOs next? Grayscale, Gemini, and BitGo are preparing Wall Street IPOs after Circle and Bullish.

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