Many text scams appear to be legitimate, which is how they trick victims into giving away private information. On the other hand, legitimate texts may sometimes show some red flags associated with smishing attacks. For example, if you’ve received a text regarding a T-Mobile class action lawsuit, you might be unsure if you should trust it.
Fraudsters use text scams to solicit personal information they can use to drain bank accounts and commit identity theft, and T-Mobile has become a popular choice of disguise. Keep reading to understand the T-Mobile settlement text scam and learn how to protect yourself.
Yes, the T-Mobile settlement text is legitimate. T-Mobile suffered a 2021 data breach that leaked approximately 76.6 million users’ data, including driver’s license information (names, addresses, dates of birth) and Social Security numbers. The Kroll Settlement Administration LLC texted potential class members about their eligibility to file a claim and included a link to information about the class-action settlement. Despite the text showing several warning signs of a scam, it has been proven to be legitimate.
T-Mobile confirmed that the above text is not a scam at all. It was indeed an opportunity for affected customers to file a claim for reimbursement, and it came from a legitimate legal service.
Many scams are based on real events and other legitimate messages, however, so this doesn’t mean all texts regarding the T-Mobile data breach are safe. Although the original text is real, you should still watch out for T-Mobile settlement text scams.
The massive data breach led to a class-action lawsuit, and T-Mobile agreed to a settlement that was approved in June 2023. The $500 million settlement included $350 million paid to affected customers and an agreement to invest $150 million in cybersecurity improvements to prevent future breaches. Additionally, T-Mobile offered victims two free years of McAfee’s ID Theft Protection Service.
T-Mobile has had a number of breaches over the past decade but claims to be focusing on improving its data security. Attacks like these uncover millions of users’ personal data, often giving cybercriminals the information they need to access victims’ financial accounts.
Recovering information, money, and identities stolen through a data breach can be a long and difficult process — and there’s no guarantee that victims will get back what they lost.
If you were a T-Mobile customer who may have been affected by the data breach, you likely received a text message from the Kroll Settlement Administration LLC. The purpose of the text was to notify consumers about the settlement agreement and allow them to file a claim for compensation. As of October 2023, they have not sent communications regarding payment distribution.
If you use a different wireless carrier (like AT&T or Verizon) or received this type of text after the filing deadline, you were likely the target of a T-Mobile scam text aiming to steal your information.
The deadline to file a claim for the 2021 T-Mobile data breach was January 23, 2023. Most affected T-Mobile users were eligible to file a claim for $25; customers who resided in California on August 1, 2021 could submit a claim for $100. Those who spent money to avoid or recover from damages related to the data breach (or to protect themselves from future harm) were able to submit a claim for up to $25,000.
If your sensitive personal information was leaked due to the T-Mobile data breach, you were likely eligible to file a claim. However, there were exceptions for:
T-Mobile customers were able to file a claim online or by mailing in a filled-out form. They were also able to call
1 (833) 512-2314 for assistance.
The Kroll Settlement Administration LLC has sent legitimate texts notifying T-Mobile customers about the data breach settlement, but that doesn’t mean the text you received is in fact legitimate.
Fraudsters have seized the opportunity to send scam texts claiming to be from T-Mobile or Kroll. They may pretend you can still file or that you must take action to receive your benefits, including a link to supposedly do so. In reality, the link takes you to a spoofed website where any information you enter will be stolen.
Everyone who owns a phone is a potential target for smishing scams like this one, and the consequences can be severe. Text scams aim to steal private information like login credentials, bank account details, and even Social Security numbers. With this information, hackers can drain financial accounts and steal identities. Text scams were responsible for an estimated $13 billion in consumer losses during the first half of 2023, according to our mid-year report.
From drained bank accounts to identity theft, the consequences of a successful text scam can be devastating. However, knowing how to protect yourself and your family can help you avoid the financial distress and psychological trauma that may come with falling for a phone scam.
T-Mobile is just one of many legitimate businesses that scammers impersonate. Fraudsters choose reputable companies that people know and trust, hoping to catch their targets off guard. Think twice before you respond to unexpected text messages claiming to be from companies like:
Fraud attempts like T-Mobile settlement text scams are rampant, and no one is immune. By following the steps below using a trustworthy spam blocker, you can help protect yourself from text scams and other types of phone fraud.
Protect your tech by updating your operating systems whenever possible. Use reliable, up-to-date antivirus software for desktops and laptops. Further secure your computers, phones, tablets, and watches by using biometric logins like Face ID and Touch ID, and avoid letting other people use or borrow them.
Think before you react to an unexpected text, even if you recognize the phone number. Scammers use a technique called caller ID spoofing to make it look like they’re texting from a trustworthy or authoritative number. Don’t respond without confirming the sender is someone you trust, and never follow suspicious links in unsolicited texts.
Even seemingly harmless details like your email address or phone number could be used to hack into your private accounts. Avoid attaching identifying information to your social media profiles, and never share your credit card, banking, or other financial information online or via text message.
While these steps can help you avoid falling victim to scams, a reputable spam blocker can keep fraudsters off your phone altogether. T-Mobile Scam Shield is T-Mobile’s own spam-blocking app, but it only shields users from scam calls — it offers no protection against dangerous scam texts. A dedicated third-party app like Robokiller blocks scam and spam texts before they get to your phone, so they never get the chance to fool you.
The T-Mobile settlement text from the Kroll Settlement Administration LLC is real, but scammers have adopted the message as yet another template for smishing attacks. Knowing how to reduce your risk is helpful, but a comprehensive spam-blocking app like Robokiller can prevent this type of threat from ever making it to your phone.
Robokiller intercepts and blocks suspicious text messages so you never have to deal with them. Our essential features include call and text protection, customizable block and allow lists, and real-time screening. Robokiller’s robust algorithm uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to block 99% of unwanted calls and texts, keeping you safe from scammers and their schemes.
Start protecting your privacy, your bank account, and your peace of mind with a free 7-day trial of Robokiller when you download today.
