T-Mobile has agreed to a $350 million settlement after a massive data breach exposed the personal information of over 76 million customers in the U.S. If you were affected, you might be eligible for compensation of up to $25,000 for fraud-related losses.
Here’s everything you need to know about the T-Mobile data breach, who qualifies for the settlement, and how to claim your payment.
What Happened in the T-Mobile Data Breach?
On August 16, 2021, T-Mobile revealed that hackers had gained access to sensitive customer data, including:
- Names
- Dates of birth
- Addresses
- Phone numbers
- Social Security numbers
The hacker, John Binns, later bragged about the attack, claiming that T-Mobile’s weak security made it easy for him to steal millions of records. He attempted to sell the stolen data on the dark web for $270,000.
While T-Mobile denies any wrongdoing, the company agreed to a $350 million settlement to compensate affected customers.
Who Is Eligible for the T-Mobile Settlement?
You may qualify for a payout if:
- You were a T-Mobile customer on or before August 1, 2021.
- Your personal data was exposed in the breach.
- You experienced financial losses or spent time dealing with fraud-related issues.
Additionally, if you lived in California on August 1, 2021, you could receive $25 to $100, even if you did not suffer financial loss.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
The payout amount depends on how the data breach affected you.
| Compensation Type | Payment Amount |
|---|---|
| Out-of-pocket losses (fraud, identity theft, etc.) | Up to $25,000 |
| Time spent resolving fraud issues | $25 per hour (or actual wage if work time was lost) |
| No financial loss (California residents only) | $25 – $100 |
How to File a Claim for the Settlement
If you are an affected T-Mobile customer, you do not need to file a lawsuit. Instead, follow these steps to claim your payment:
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
- If you received a settlement notice, you are eligible.
- If you are unsure, call 1-833-512-2314 or contact the Settlement Administrator.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
- Proof of financial loss (bank statements, receipts, fraud reports, etc.).
- Evidence of lost time (work records, emails, or notes documenting the time spent resolving fraud issues).
Step 3: Submit Your Claim
- Visit the official settlement website (link provided in your notice).
- Fill out the claim form with your personal details and supporting documents.
Step 4: Wait for Payment
Once the settlement is finalized, payments will be distributed.
The Hacker Behind the T-Mobile Breach
The breach was carried out by John Binns, an American hacker who:
- Boasted about infiltrating T-Mobile’s systems, blaming weak security.
- Attempted to sell stolen data on the dark web for $270,000.
- Was arrested in Turkey after a U.S. extradition request.
T-Mobile estimates that 54 million customer records were stolen in the attack.
If you were a T-Mobile customer before August 1, 2021, and your personal information was compromised, you may be entitled to a settlement payment. Compensation could reach up to $25,000 for those who suffered fraud-related losses.
Make sure to confirm your eligibility and submit a claim before the deadline to receive your payment.
FAQs:
How do I know if I was affected by the T-Mobile data breach?
If you were a T-Mobile customer on or before August 1, 2021, and received a settlement notice, your data was likely exposed.
How much money can I get from the settlement?
Up to $25,000 for fraud-related losses.
$25 per hour for time spent resolving fraud issues.
$25 to $100 for California residents with no financial loss.
Where do I file my claim?
Visit the official settlement website (link provided in your notice) to submit your claim.
