Consumers who received notice that their personal information was affected by the South Western Communications Inc. December 2023 data breach may be eligible for cash payments and credit monitoring under a class action settlement.
Overview
South Western Communications Inc. agreed to pay $436,670 to resolve a lawsuit alleging a December 2023 ransomware attack allowed unauthorized access to the personal information of thousands of individuals, including employees and dependents.
Who Is Included?
The settlement class includes individuals who previously received written notification from South Western Communications stating that their personally identifiable information may have been compromised in the December 2023 data breach. Approximately 4,386 people are included in the class.
Settlement Benefits
Eligible class members may claim some or all of the following, up to a combined maximum of $6,000 for out-of-pocket losses and attested time:
Reimbursement for out-of-pocket losses
- Up to $500 for documented ordinary expenses, such as professional fees, credit repair or monitoring services, credit freeze/unfreeze fees, and other miscellaneous costs (postage, copying, mileage, notary fees, etc.) incurred from the date of the breach through seven days after the notice deadline.
- Up to $5,000 for documented extraordinary losses caused by fraud or misuse of personal information, if likely caused by the breach, incurred within the eligible timeframe and not otherwise reimbursed. Claimants must show they attempted to avoid or recover the losses, including using any credit monitoring insurance.
Reimbursement for attested time
- Up to five hours at $25 per hour (maximum $125) for time spent dealing with the breach.
Pro rata cash payment
- After all other claims and expenses are paid, remaining settlement funds will be divided equally among all class members. No claim form is required to receive this payment.
Credit monitoring and identity protection
- Three years of credit monitoring and identity theft protection services, including up to $1,000,000 in identity theft insurance.
How to File a Claim
A claim form is required to receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket losses, attested time or credit monitoring. Class members do not need to submit a claim to receive the pro rata cash payment.
Claims may be submitted online or by mail.
Deadline: December 24, 2025.
Mailing address:
South Western Communications Data Breach Action
c/o Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 25226
Santa Ana, CA 92799
Required Documentation
- Out-of-pocket losses: Receipts, bills or records showing the expense relates to the breach.
- Attested time: A description of the actions taken and time spent (up to five hours).
- Credit monitoring: Selection of the credit monitoring option—no documentation required.
Payment Options
- Paper check
- Electronic payment
Credit monitoring activation instructions will be sent by mail or email.
Settlement Fund Breakdown
The $436,670 fund includes:
- Settlement administration costs: To be determined
- Attorneys’ fees: Up to $145,542.11
- Attorneys’ expenses: Up to $145,556
- Service award to the class representative: Up to $5,000
- Payments to class members: Remaining funds
If valid claims exceed available funds, payments may be reduced on a pro rata basis.
Important Dates
- Opt-out deadline: October 25, 2025
- Final approval hearing: December 9, 2025
- Claim deadline: December 24, 2025
Payout Timeline
Payments will be distributed after any appeals are resolved and the court grants final approval of the settlement.
Reason for the Settlement
The lawsuit alleged a December 2023 ransomware attack allowed unauthorized individuals to access personal data belonging to South Western Communications employees and dependents. The company denies wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to avoid further litigation and provide benefits to those affected.
