Communications Data Group Data Breach Settlement: What You Can Claim

U.S. residents notified by or for Communications Data Group, Duo County Telephone, Cumberland Cellular or Home Wireless about the February 2025 breach may qualify. Eligible members can choose $45 cash, or claim up to $5,000 in qualifying documented losses together with three years of credit monitoring. The $45 option replaces both other benefits. File by November 10, 2026.

Communications Data Group Settlement
No-Proof OptionMonitoring Ends Soon

Claims open Deadline: November 10, 2026

Who qualifies?

You qualify if you are a U.S. resident whose private information was potentially affected by Communications Data Group's February 2025 incident. This includes notices sent by CDG, Duo County Telephone Cooperative, Cumberland Cellular or Home Wireless.

How much could I receive?

Choose $45 cash, or up to $5,000 for documented losses plus three years of credit monitoring. Monitoring alone is also available. Choosing the $45 alternative means you cannot also claim loss reimbursement or monitoring.

Do I need supporting documents?

Loss reimbursement needs records such as receipts, statements or correspondence showing unreimbursed expenses linked to the breach. No loss documentation is required for the $45 alternative or monitoring, but you must certify eligibility and may be asked for additional information.

Do I need a notice ID or PIN?

Online claims require the login ID and PIN from your settlement notice. Monitoring claims also ask for your Class Member ID. If you need help finding your information, call 866-601-3534. Paper credential requirements are not clearly established in the available materials.

What is the deadline?

Submit your claim online or mail it postmarked by November 10, 2026. The separate opt-out deadline is October 26. You must submit a valid claim to receive cash or monitoring.

How do I claim?

Use the official settlement website to file online or obtain a paper form. Choose the $45 alternative, documented losses with optional monitoring, or monitoring alone. Include records if requesting loss reimbursement.

Open the official settlement website →

Who is included in the settlement?

The class generally includes U.S. residents whose private information was potentially affected by the February 2025 incident involving Communications Data Group systems. People who received a notice from or for one of the defendants are included if they meet the class definition.

  • The notice lists Communications Data Group, Duo County Telephone Cooperative, Cumberland Cellular and Home Wireless as defendants.
  • The notice excludes the defendants’ employees, directors, officers and agents, governmental entities, and the assigned judges, their immediate families and court staff.

Can I combine credit monitoring with a cash claim?

You may combine the three-year credit-monitoring benefit with an approved documented-loss claim. The $45 alternative cash payment is different: choosing it replaces both documented-loss reimbursement and credit monitoring. You may also request credit monitoring by itself.

What losses may qualify for reimbursement?

A documented-loss claim may seek up to $5,000 for actual, unreimbursed expenses more likely than not caused by the incident. The notice says the expenses must have been incurred on or after February 2025.

  • Examples include fraud or identity-theft expenses, professional fees, credit-freeze costs, eligible monitoring costs, and reasonable notary, fax, postage, copying, mileage or long-distance telephone costs.
  • The claim should include documentation showing the expense, and the administrator may request more information.

What does the credit-monitoring benefit include?

The benefit provides three years of CyEx monitoring through one major credit bureau. The notice says it includes at least $1 million in identity-theft insurance without a deductible.

How do I submit a claim?

Use the Claim Form available from the official settlement website or by calling the administrator. Submit an online claim by November 10, 2026, or mail a completed and signed form postmarked by that date.

  • The administrator decides whether a claim is valid.
  • If the administrator sends a deficiency notice, respond by its deadline or the claim may be denied.

When would payments and benefits be provided?

The court is scheduled to consider final approval on November 16, 2026. Benefits cannot be distributed unless the settlement receives final approval and becomes final. Appeals and claim review can delay distribution, and the notice does not promise a payment date.

How do I leave the settlement?

Mail a signed exclusion request postmarked by October 26, 2026. It must identify the case, give your name, address and telephone number, and clearly say that you want to be excluded.

  • Excluding yourself means you receive no settlement benefit.
  • It preserves the ability to pursue the released claims separately, subject to any applicable deadlines and defenses.

How can I object or attend the hearing?

A class member who stays in the settlement may file and mail a written objection by October 26, 2026. The notice lists detailed contents, including contact information, reasons, prior class-action objections, counsel information, proposed witnesses and exhibits, an appearance statement and the objector’s signature.

  • The final approval hearing is scheduled for November 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Central Time.
  • The court may allow remote attendance or change the date or time; check the official website for updates.

Other Important Dates

  • Exclusion deadline: 2026-10-26
  • Objection deadline: 2026-10-26
  • Final approval hearing: November 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Central Time
  • Hearing location: Circuit Court of the 6th Judicial Circuit, Champaign County, 101 E. Main St., Urbana, IL 61801, Courtroom C, or remotely if ordered

Case Details

  • Case name: Pierce et al. v. Communications Data Group, Inc. et al.
  • Case number: 2026CH000032
  • Court: Circuit Court of the 6th Judicial Circuit, Champaign County, Illinois
  • Administrator: Settlement Administrator
  • Official Settlement Website: https://www.communicationsdatagroupsettlement.com/

Sources

Official Settlement Website
Claim form, FAQ, deadlines, administrator information
Visit Site →
Official Settlement Notice (PDF)
Court-approved notice describing eligibility and benefits
Open PDF →
Official NoticeRead the full notice

Official Notice

Read the notice PDF or the text version below.

Information last updated on 2026-10-07