T-Mobile Data Breach Settlement: What You Need to Know (2024)

There’s some good news for people whose information was compromised in the massive T-Mobile data breach that occurred last August: a class action settlement has been announced.

Last month, a federal judge overseeing class action litigation against T-Mobile gave an initial green light to a $350 million settlement that looks to provide cash payments to those whose information was exposed during the breach.

People covered by the settlement will each be able to claim up to $25,000 for out-of-pocket losses resulting from the data breach, including for time spent addressing those losses, or an alternative cash payment of $25 (or $100 for California residents). The settlement will also provide two years of free identity defense services and access to fraud specialists.

T-Mobile has also agreed to spend at least $150 million bolstering its data security over the next few years in addition to the amount it had previously budgeted for cybersecurity.

Keep reading to find out how much you can expect to get from the settlement and what you’ll need to do to file a claim when the time comes.

Do I qualify for the T-Mobile data breach settlement?

The settlement covers roughly 76.6 million U.S. residents who were identified by T-Mobile as having had their information compromised in the data breach that occurred in August 2021.

You are not covered by the settlement if, before July 22, 2022, you filed or served an arbitration demand related to the data breach or provided written notice to T-Mobile of your intent to pursue arbitration against the company.

If you qualify for the settlement, you should expect to receive notice of the deal via mail, email or text message by late October 2022. The notices will look something like this. If you haven’t received notice by late October and are unsure whether you’re included in the settlement, you can call (833) 512-2314 to check.

Want more settlement news like this? Sign up for ClassAction.org’s free weekly newsletter here.

How will they know how to find me?

Now that the settlement has received the judge’s preliminary approval, T-Mobile will be asked to provide the settlement administrator with a list of people whose information was exposed so they can be notified. The list will include consumers’ first and last names, current addresses, cell phone numbers and email addresses if available. The settlement administrator will then crosscheck the list against the national change-of-address directory to find the most updated contact information for those covered by the settlement.

How do I file a claim?

It’s still too early to file a claim, but once the process starts, you’ll be able to submit your claim online at the official settlement website, T-MobileSettlement.com.

The deadline to file a claim will be January 23, 2023.

For now, you can find more information about the settlement on the website’s FAQs page.

How much will I get from the T-Mobile settlement?

Each person covered by the deal will be able to claim up to $25,000 in reimbursem*nt for certain out-of-pocket losses they incurred on or after August 1, 2021 that are “fairly traceable” to the breach.

These out-of-pocket losses include:

  • Unreimbursed costs or expenses incurred as a result of identity theft, identity fraud, falsified tax returns or other alleged misuses of your personal information;
  • Money spent placing or removing a security freeze on your credit report;
  • Money spent on credit monitoring or identity theft protection;
  • Other miscellaneous expenses related to out-of-pocket losses, such as notary, fax, copying, mileage and long-distance phone charges; and
  • Professional fees paid to address identity theft, fraud or falsified tax returns.
  • You’ll be asked to provide “reasonable documentation” to support your claim for reimbursem*nt. Documentation may include credit card statements, bank statements, invoices, telephone records and receipts.

    In addition to the above out-of-pocket losses, those covered by the settlement can also claim reimbursem*nt for time spent addressing fraud, identity theft or other alleged misuses of their personal information, as well as for time spent taking preventative measures such as reviewing accounts, placing or removing security freezes, or purchasing credit monitoring or identity protection.

    Reimbursem*nt for lost time will be paid at a rate of $25 per hour, or if you took time off work, at your documented hourly wage. You’ll be able to claim reimbursem*nt for up to 15 hours for time related to addressing out-of-pocket losses and up to five hours for time not related to qualifying out-of-pocket losses.

    Instead of filing a claim for reimbursem*nt of out-of-pocket losses and/or lost time, those covered by the settlement can submit a claim for an alternative cash payment of $25, or $100 for those who lived in California on August 1, 2021.

    It’s important to note that the amount each person gets could be increased or decreased depending on how many people file claims.

    What other benefits does the settlement provide?

    In addition to cash payments, those covered by the settlement are also eligible to receive two years of identity defense services provided by data security company Pango.

    These services will include:

  • Credit monitoring from TransUnion;
  • Access to a monthly credit score from TransUnion;
  • Real-time inquiry/authentication alerts;
  • Dark web monitoring;
  • High-risk transaction monitoring;
  • USPS address change monitoring and alerts;
  • Lost wallet protection;
  • Security freeze capabilities;
  • Customer support and victim assistance; and
  • $1 million identity theft insurance.
  • Separately, everyone covered by the settlement, even if they don’t submit a claim for any of the other benefits, will be eligible for restoration services provided by Pango. As part of these services, you’ll have access to U.S.-based fraud specialists who can help place fraud alerts with credit bureaus, dispute inaccurate information on your credit report, schedule calls with creditors or other service providers, and work with law enforcement and government agencies to dispute fraudulent information.

    When will I get my settlement check?

    Payments for valid claims will be sent out only after the settlement receives the judge’s final approval and any appeals are resolved in favor of the deal. A final approval hearing has been scheduled for January 13, 2023.

    The T-Mobile data breach

    Lawsuits against T-Mobile started streaming in after the telecom giant announced on August 16, 2021 that it had been the victim of a data breach during which an unauthorized individual gained access to the personal information of roughly 76 million people, including T-Mobile customers and consumers who had applied for credit with the company.

    The information compromised in the breach included some combination of consumers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, Social Security or tax identification numbers, other government ID numbers, account information, mobile phone identifier numbers, PINs and personal unlock codes.

    The lawsuits, which were consolidated into multidistrict litigation in December 2021, accused T-Mobile of not doing enough to protect consumers’ information from unauthorized access. Though the company has agreed to settle the claims against it, the settlement agreement notes that T-Mobile “denies all material allegations” in the litigation.

    The parties involved in the case stated in the agreement that they believe a settlement is in their best interests and that the deal is “fair, reasonable, and adequate.” U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes granted preliminary approval to the settlement on July 26, 2022.

    Don’t miss out on settlement news like this. Sign up for ClassAction.org’s free weekly newsletter here.

    T-Mobile Data Breach Settlement: What You Need to Know (2024)

    FAQs

    How much will each person get from the T-Mobile settlement? ›

    The company agreed a massive $350 million settlement package last year and will award up to $25,000 in compensation to customers.

    How do I know if I qualify for T-Mobile settlement? ›

    T-Mobile has identified 76 million US citizens whose information was exposed in the data leak. How do I know if I am part of the Settlement? Class members were mailed notices of the proposed settlement, but you can check your eligibility by contacting the settlement administrator by phone at 833-512-2314 or via email.

    How do I collect my T-Mobile settlement? ›

    This is the only authorized website for this case.
    1. Call. 1-833-512-2314.
    2. Email. info@t-mobilesettlement.com.
    3. Mail. T-Mobile Data Breach Settlement. c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC. P.O. Box 225391 New York, NY 10150-5391.

    Is the T-Mobile data breach real or fake? ›

    The company said in a US Securities and Exchange Commission filing that a “bad actor” manipulated one of the company's application programming interfaces (APIs) to steal customers' names, email addresses, phone numbers, billing addresses, dates of birth, account numbers, and service plan details.

    Did T-Mobile agree to pay customers $350 million? ›

    T-Mobile has agreed to pay $350 million to settle multiple class-action suits stemming from a data breach disclosed last year affecting tens of millions of people. In the proposed settlement announced Friday, T-Mobile also agreed to spend an extra $150 million on cybersecurity through the end of 2023.

    How many T-Mobile claims can I claim? ›

    Maximum of two approved claims within any rolling 12-month period based on the date of the first repair or replacement for Device Protection and a maximum of five approved claims within any rolling 12-month period based on the date of the first repair or replacement for Protection<360> for claims of accidental damage ( ...

    How do I check my T-Mobile reimbursem*nt status? ›

    The fastest and easiest way is by visiting the Homepage on this site and following these three simple steps: On the Homepage, select the Start here button. Enter your mobile number or serial number, complete the security check and click Submit. Once your number has been verified, click Track My Claim.

    Is T-Mobile getting a text message for class action lawsuit? ›

    Last Updated on April 27, 2023

    Lots of people have received a text message from Kroll Settlement Administration LLC that says they're eligible for benefits from a class action settlement relating to a 2021 T-Mobile data breach.

    Who was affected by T-Mobile data breach? ›

    In July, T-Mobile agreed to pay $350 million to customers who filed a class action lawsuit after the company disclosed in August 2021 that personal data including Social Security numbers and driver's license info had been stolen. Nearly 80 million U.S. residents were affected.

    How do I file a claim with T-Mobile? ›

    Online claim in your T-Mobile Account
    1. Log in to your T-Mobile account using a web browser.
    2. Select Account and choose the line you're filing a claim on.
    3. Select File a claim or File damage claim or Report lost or stolen. ...
    4. Once you confirm the selection, you'll be redirected to the claims website at mytmoclaim.com.

    How long does it take to get T-Mobile reimbursem*nt? ›

    When you should expect to receive your reimbursem*nt. Reimbursem*nt generally takes place 15 days after the submission is approved and trade-in per line is received. Prepaid virtual cards are sent via a text message typically within 24-48 hours after the Day 15 date.

    Can you claim compensation for data breach? ›

    The GDPR gives you a right to claim compensation from an organisation if you have suffered damage as a result of it breaking data protection law. This includes both “material damage” (e.g. you have lost money) or “non-material damage” (e.g. you have suffered distress).

    Can I get money in T-Mobile data breach? ›

    If you had to spend time or money to recover from fraud or identity theft relating to the breach, you could be reimbursed up to $25,000, though you had to submit extensive documentation supporting your claim.

    Can I check if my data has been breached? ›

    Go to annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 to get a free copy of your credit report. You can get one free copy of your report from each of the three credit bureaus once a year. Monitor your accounts regularly.

    How much did T-Mobile pay out for data breach? ›

    T-Mobile's response to the breach

    In July 2022, T-Mobile agreed to pay $350 million to settle customer claims and $150 million to upgrade its cybersecurity, according to CNET.

    Is T-Mobile giving away $225 cash to everyone? ›

    “In addition to America's most-awarded 5G network, they get $225 in extra perks available on Magenta MAX each month … it's almost like finding free money in your bank account every few weeks.

    Is T-Mobile charging $35 for every transaction? ›

    T-Mobile's $35 activation fee will soon apply to almost every device transaction. It will prevent people from avoiding the fee by using the carrier's online system for upgrades and activations, as reported earlier Monday by T-Mo Report citing internal company documents, some of which were posted on Reddit.

    What does the T-Mobile merger mean for customers? ›

    Customers will have access to average 5G speeds up to eight times faster than current LTE in just a few years and 15 times faster over the next six years. Reaching nearly everyone! Within six years, T-Mobile will provide 5G to 99% of the U.S. population, including rural America.

    What is any one claim limit? ›

    Any One Claim (also referred to as 'Each and Every' claim), is a term that states the type of limit of indemnity provided under a professional indemnity policy. It means the number of claims which can be notified within the policy period is unlimited.

    What is the limit of claims? ›

    A limit is the highest amount your insurer will pay for a claim that your insurance policy covers. Think of it this way: It's like filling up a fishbowl. If you file a covered claim, your insurance policy will pay up to a certain amount. You're responsible for any expenses that exceed the limit.

    How many claims can you get? ›

    Generally, there is no set limit for the number of insurance claims you can file in one year. However, even the best car insurance companies may choose not to renew insurance policies or restrict coverage options if a certain number of claims were filed within a short period of time (usually three years).

    Why is T-Mobile not refunding my money? ›

    Some credit balances aren't eligible for a payment refund and will apply toward your future monthly charges. Canceled accounts must wait a minimum of 30 days with no payment or charge activity before any credit balance can be refunded to allow time for final charges to be billed.

    Does T-Mobile give refunds? ›

    T-Mobile will gladly assist you with your return. You can return or exchange a Device or accessory (“Device”) for a refund within 14 days of the purchase or lease date of the original Device.

    How do I check my T-Mobile debt? ›

    The first thing you want to do is contact T-Mobile at (800)-937-8997 to verify the amount of debt you owe.

    How do I start a class action lawsuit against T-Mobile? ›

    This is the only authorized website for this case.
    1. Call. 1-833-512-2314.
    2. Email. info@t-mobilesettlement.com.
    3. Mail. T-Mobile Data Breach Settlement. c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC. P.O. Box 225391 New York, NY 10150-5391.

    How can I retrieve text messages for a lawsuit? ›

    The only possible way to recover lost or deleted text messages by hiring a forensic investigator to inspect the phone. This can be very costly, but it is worth it if important information is obtained. These experts also help lay the necessary foundation for court admissibility at a hearing or trial.

    What is the T-Mobile breach settlement? ›

    The second largest U.S. wireless carrier, T-Mobile, has agreed to pay $350 million to settle multiple class-action suits. This all stems from a data breach disclosed last year affecting around 53 million customers personal data.

    What information was stolen from T-Mobile? ›

    In 2021, a hacker stole the personal information, including Social Security numbers and driver's license information, of more than 13 million active and 40 million prospective T-Mobile customers. The company settled a class-action suit related to that breach for $500 million last year.

    What cell phone carrier has a data breach? ›

    The breach follows T-Mobile in January saying a "bad actor" took advantage of one of its application programming interfaces to gain data on "approximately 37 million current postpaid and prepaid customer accounts."

    Did T-Mobile say hacker stole data for 37 million customers? ›

    T-Mobile US said a hacker obtained data for 37 million customer accounts, though it didn't include payment card information or personal identifying numbers. The wireless provider said Thursday it discovered the hack on Jan. 5 and was able to trace the source and stop it within a day.

    Can I claim for my phone? ›

    You can claim the cost of mobile phones as a business expense if you're a sole trader. However, it would help if you deducted a percentage of personal usage from the total cost.

    How do I make a successful phone claim? ›

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:
    1. Mobile phone insurance coverage varies widely, so it pays to know your policy Keep documents handy.
    2. Keep documents handy.
    3. If your phone is lost or stolen, notify the wireless provider and the insurance company or credit card issuer right away.
    4. When making a claim by phone, always write down the claim number.
    Feb 13, 2023

    How long does it take for Assurant to approve a claim? ›

    PLEASE ALLOW 15 BUSINESS DAYS FOR YOUR CLAIM TO BE PROCESSED. AFTER YOUR CLAIM HAS BEEN PROCESSED, YOU WILL RECEIVE A LETTER ADVISING OF APPROVAL, DENIAL OR REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

    What company will pay off my phone if I switch? ›

    T-Mobile Carrier Freedom. Bring your eligible phone with you and we'll reimburse your remaining phone payment balance when you switch from select carriers (including Verizon and AT&T) to T-Mobile – up to $800/line (up to 5 lines) via virtual prepaid card.

    Is T-Mobile Post paid? ›

    T-Mobile phone plan types

    Just as the rest of the carriers in the US, T-Mobile has both prepaid and unlimited postpaid plans.

    How do I cash out my T-Mobile virtual card? ›

    There is an option to transfer the balance of the card to your bank account. Once you've accessed the card from the text you received, click on the 3 lines at the top left, then click on Access Funds, then Bank Transfer. It will ask for your bank info. It looks like there is no fee for transfer amounts over $300.

    What is the time limit for data breach compensation? ›

    What are the time limits for making a data breach claim? The current period for making a claim for data breach compensation is six years from the date of the breach or one year where it involves a breach of human rights.

    What qualifies as an eligible data breach? ›

    Eligible data breach. An eligible data breach arises when the following three criteria are satisfied: there is unauthorised access to or unauthorised disclosure of personal information, or a loss of personal information, that an entity holds (see What is a 'Data Breach'?)

    How do I get compensation for breach of contract? ›

    What evidence do you need to make a breach of contract claim?
    1. There is a legally binding contract. ...
    2. The other party has failed to perform their duties under the contract. ...
    3. You have suffered loss as a result of the breach. ...
    4. The breach occurred within the last 6 years. ...
    5. Collating and preserving evidence. ...
    6. Reserving your rights.
    Nov 14, 2022

    What is the settlement amount? ›

    The settlement amount is the amount the buyer has to pay to own bonds. The settlement amount is the sum of the market price of the Bond and accrued interest (that has got accrued since the last Interest Payment Date).

    What percentage is a settlement? ›

    A settlement case where the lawyer gets no fee will most likely be less than 40 percent. On the other hand, if a lawsuit is successful and the plaintiff wins, the lawyer will receive closer to 50 percent.

    What is the highest paid settlement? ›

    The Most Expensive Lawsuit Settlements in History
    • 1998 – The Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement - $206 Billion. ...
    • 2010 – Deepwater Horizon BP Oil Spill - $20 Billion. ...
    • 2012 – Smartphone Wars - $40 Billion. ...
    • 1999 – Rupert Murdoch Vs Anna Torv - $1.7 Billion. ...
    • 2010 – Tiger Woods Vs Elin Nordegren - $750 Million.

    What would my settlement figure be? ›

    What is a settlement figure? Simply put, it's the amount of money you have to pay back to the finance company to completely pay off your agreement. An early settlement figure is the amount outstanding, minus a rebate of interest and charges if you want to pay off your car finance early.

    How much money should I ask for in a settlement? ›

    To get a general idea of settlement, add up the costs in medical bills, damages, and lost wages, and multiply the sum by three. This may be around the amount in the settlement you can receive after a car accident. Compensation for pain and suffering is only given to those who are injured in a car accident.

    How do you calculate settlement offer? ›

    The general formula most insurers use to measure settlement worth is the following: (Special damages x multiplier reflecting general damages) + lost wages = settlement amount.

    Is settlement money taxable? ›

    Generally, settlement funds and damages received from a lawsuit are taxable income according to the IRS. Nonetheless, personal injury settlements – specifically those resulting from car accidents or slip and fall incidents – are typically exempt from taxes.

    What is an acceptable settlement offer? ›

    Typical debt settlement offers range from 10% to 50% of the amount you owe. Creditors are under no obligation to accept an offer and reduce your debt, even if you are working with a reputable debt settlement company.

    What is the usual result of a settlement? ›

    The result of a settlement agreement involves the responsible party paying a certain amount to compensate for the damages caused to the victim.

    Which state has the highest payout? ›

    Highest Paying States

    According to the data aggregators at Data USA, the highest paying state is Maryland, with a 2019 median household income of ​$86,738​, after experiencing 4.2 percent one-year growth.

    What is the most money received from a class action lawsuit? ›

    Lead plaintiffs receive the most money in class action lawsuits. They typically have the worst injuries and the highest damages.

    What's the most a lawyer can take from settlement? ›

    There is no average settlement, as each case is unique. Whatever the amount is, your law firm will charge you on a contingency fee basis. This means they will take a set percentage of your recovery, typically one third or 33.3%. There are rare instances where a free case is agreed to by the representing lawyers.

    How do I claim my T-Mobile class action settlement? ›

    Online Claim Form
    1. Call. 1-833-512-2314.
    2. Email. info@t-mobilesettlement.com.
    3. Mail. T-Mobile Data Breach Settlement. c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC. P.O. Box 225391 New York, NY 10150-5391.

    What law firm is handling T-Mobile lawsuit? ›

    Find out more about the firm's investigation on behalf of consumers into T-Mobile's 2022 data breach. Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm with a tenacious drive for achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud.

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Barbera Armstrong

    Last Updated:

    Views: 5943

    Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

    Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Barbera Armstrong

    Birthday: 1992-09-12

    Address: Suite 993 99852 Daugherty Causeway, Ritchiehaven, VT 49630

    Phone: +5026838435397

    Job: National Engineer

    Hobby: Listening to music, Board games, Photography, Ice skating, LARPing, Kite flying, Rugby

    Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.