Closed to new claimsTelecom billingAT&T data throttling settlement: Zelle refunds for former customers
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AT&T has another settlement — see all AT&T settlements.
The FTC’s August 2026 update says it is sending Zelle payments to eligible former AT&T customers who did not cash their refund check or accept their PayPal payment. If you receive one, it goes directly into your bank account with a note about the settlement. You do not need to file a new claim.
The refunds come from a $60 million settlement over AT&T’s “unlimited” mobile data plans. The FTC alleged that AT&T reduced speeds after customers reached a usage threshold without adequately disclosing the restriction. In 2020, AT&T returned $52 million through bill credits to current customers and checks to former customers. A later claim process for former customers it had not reached closed on May 18, 2023.
In April 2024, the FTC announced 267,734 payments totaling nearly $6.3 million to former customers who had filed valid claims. Its August 2026 update says the April payments resulted in more than $5.6 million in refunds. The FTC does not give a fixed amount or a recipient count for the Zelle payments.
Key facts
- Settlement fund
- $60 million for partial refunds
- 2023 claim deadline
- May 18, 2023 — closed
- April 2024 payments sent
- 267,734 payments totaling nearly $6.3 million
- Refunds from the April payments
- More than $5.6 million, according to the FTC’s August 2026 update
- August 2026 payment method
- Direct Zelle deposits for eligible recipients who missed an earlier payment
- Refund administrator
- 1-877-654-1982
Official settlement administrator: Federal Trade Commission — AT&T Data Throttling Refunds
Evidence for key facts
These excerpts record what official sources said when checked. Open a fact to see its source and supporting passage. Follow the source for the latest information.
Claim statusChecked
The FTC is sending Zelle payments to eligible former AT&T customers who were sent a payment and didn’t cash their check or accept their PayPal payment.
FTC: August 2026 AT&T refund updateAugust 2026 program update
Who qualifiesChecked
they had an unlimited data plan at some point between October 1, 2011 and June 30, 2015;
FTC: January 2023 claims processFormer customer requirements
Who qualifiesChecked
they have not received a bill credit or payment from AT&T related to this matter.
FTC: January 2023 claims processFormer customer requirements
Who qualifiesChecked
both current and former customers who had originally signed up for unlimited plans prior to 2011 but were throttled by AT&T.
FTC: 2019 settlement and automatic refundsOriginal automatic refund group
Payment and benefitsChecked
The FTC first sent payments in April 2024, which resulted more than $5.6 million in refunds.
FTC: August 2026 AT&T refund updateAugust 2026 program update
Payment and benefitsChecked
The FTC is sending 212,893 checks and 54,841 PayPal payments.
FTC: April 2024 distributionApril 2024 FTC distribution
Payment and benefitsChecked
which resulted in $52 million returned to consumers.
FTC: April 2024 distribution2020 automatic refunds
Proof requirementsChecked
Affected consumers will not be required to submit a claim for the refunds.
FTC: 2019 settlement and automatic refundsOriginal automatic payments
Proof requirementsChecked
If you get a Zelle payment, the payment will be deposited directly into your bank account with a note about the settlement.
FTC: August 2026 AT&T refund updateAugust 2026 payment instructions
Claim deadlineChecked
Consumers have until May 18, 2023, to submit a claim.
FTC: January 2023 claims processFinal paragraph on claims
Who qualifies
- The original automatic refunds covered current and former AT&T customers who signed up for unlimited data plans before 2011 and experienced throttling. Current customers received bill credits; former customers received checks.
- The later claims process was for former AT&T customers who had an unlimited data plan at some point between October 1, 2011 and June 30, 2015, experienced throttling, and had not received a bill credit or refund in this matter.
- The August 2026 Zelle payments are for eligible former customers who did not cash their refund check or accept their PayPal payment. Being an AT&T customer today does not qualify you.
How the refunds were distributed
- 1
Automatic bill credits and checks
AT&T used the settlement fund to credit current customers’ bills and mail checks to former customers covered by the original order. No claim was required for those refunds.
- 2
Claims closed in May 2023
Former customers who met the plan, throttling and prior-payment requirements could submit a claim by May 18, 2023. In April 2024 the FTC began sending payments to former customers who filed valid claims.
- 3
Zelle payments announced in August 2026
The FTC is using Zelle for eligible recipients who missed earlier payments. A deposit arrives with a settlement note. For questions about an issued payment, call the refund administrator at 1-877-654-1982. The FTC never charges a fee to obtain a refund.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I still file a claim?
No. The FTC gave former customers until May 18, 2023 to submit a claim. Its August 2026 notice describes payments to earlier recipients; it does not open a new filing period.
Who gets a Zelle payment?
The FTC says it is sending Zelle payments to eligible former AT&T customers who did not cash their check or accept their PayPal payment. The money goes directly into their bank account.
How much is the payment?
The settlement provided partial refunds. The FTC did not announce a fixed amount for the August 2026 Zelle payments. The nearly $6.3 million figure refers to payments sent in April 2024.
What if I have a payment question?
Call the administrator at 1-877-654-1982. You never have to pay money to receive an FTC refund.
Sources and official records
Consult these records for the official terms and current updates. ClaimBee's summary helps explain the settlement; the administrator and court documents determine the claim requirements and benefits.
Page updates
The FTC’s August update describes direct Zelle payments for people who did not cash an earlier check or accept a PayPal payment. It does not reopen claims.
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