Nearly Three Years After Data Breach, T-Mobile Finally Begins Sending Settlement Payments, With Some Users Reporting They Received More Than Originally Expected
T-Mobile had a major data breach in 2021, as the attackers were able to exploit a vulnerability and access T-Mobile’s servers. This cyberattack compromised the data of over 76 million users, all of which were sensitive information. This led to the company’s image being adversely impacted, and many of the customers felt exposed. As a result many of the affected users filed a class action lawsuit against the carrier, which it agreed to settle down amounting to $350 million in settlements and also promised to invest more in its cybersecurity system. While the payments were to begin in April 204, they saw months of delay. After a significant period of postponement, users would finally start receiving their compensation.
After 3 years of delay, T-Mobile is finally sending out the compensation for the major breach that compromised the data of 76 million users
T-Mobile’s massive breach in 2021 gained quite the attention for compromising the data of over 76 million people, including sensitive information such as names, social security numbers, and driver’s license information. While the settlement payments were long due, making the affected users even more frustrated, there is good news after quite a long wait: T-Mobile is finally distributing payment to impacted customers.
The telecommunication service provider is finally sending out payment notifications to T-Mobile customers who were impacted by the data breach. Some users have even been informed about receiving a Virtual Prepaid MasterCard, and others reported that the funds were directly sent to their Zelle accounts. The payment method received depends on the option that was selected when a claim was being submitted.
While many customers questioned the legitimacy of the payment notification emails, the company’s official website does state that compensatory payments are being distributed and that they will be distributed over several weeks. Some of the customers had to deal with the data breach consequences and those were compensated by up to $25,000. Others received relatively smaller compensation varying from $25 to $100.
Even though the exact amount that each user received is ambiguous, many have come forward saying that they received more than originally expected, which was somewhere around $25. The payment is said to be sufficient to cover any cost the affected users may have incurred. T-Mobile, by covering its settlement payment, is attempting to recover customers’ trust in the company and also sends a broader message to other companies to handle such personal information delicately to avoid bearing any real consequences.
