In late 2023, MGM Resorts International experienced a significant cybersecurity incident that affected the personal information of millions of guests. As a result of this data breach, a class action settlement has been reached to compensate those whose data was compromised. If you stayed at an MGM property or provided your information to the company, you may be eligible to receive a cash payment or other benefits.
Understanding legal settlements can be overwhelming, but the process for the MGM data breach settlement is designed to be straightforward for affected consumers. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step explanation of who is eligible, what benefits are available, and exactly how to file your claim before the deadline passes. By following these steps, you can ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to for any time or money lost due to the breach.
Understanding the MGM Resorts Data Breach
The data breach occurred in September 2023 when unauthorized individuals gained access to MGM Resorts’ internal systems. This incident caused widespread disruption across MGM properties, including hotels and casinos in Las Vegas and other locations. Beyond the immediate operational issues, the hackers accessed sensitive personal data belonging to millions of customers.
The compromised information varied by individual but generally included names, contact information, dates of birth, and driver’s license numbers. In some cases, Social Security numbers and passport numbers were also exposed. Because this data is highly sensitive, the settlement aims to provide protection and reimbursement for those at risk of identity theft or financial fraud.
Who Is Eligible for the Settlement?
Eligibility for the MGM data breach settlement is generally limited to individuals who were notified by MGM that their personal information was impacted during the September 2023 cyberattack. If you are part of this group, you are considered a “Settlement Class Member.”
Most eligible individuals should have received a notice via email or traditional mail. This notice typically contains a unique “Claimant ID” or “Notice ID,” which simplifies the filing process. If you believe your data was compromised but did not receive a notice, you can still visit the official settlement website to check your eligibility using your personal details.
The Importance of the Notice ID
Your Notice ID is the most important piece of information for your claim. It links your identity to the specific data that was breached, making the verification process much faster. If you have lost your notice, the settlement administrator can often help you retrieve it through the online portal by verifying your name and address.
Available Settlement Benefits
The settlement offers several types of compensation depending on how the breach affected you. You do not necessarily need to have suffered identity theft to qualify for a payment, as the settlement recognizes the value of the time you spent protecting your accounts.
Reimbursement for Out-of-Pocket Expenses
If you spent money to protect yourself after the breach, you can claim reimbursement for these “Ordinary Losses.” This includes expenses such as:
- Fees for credit monitoring services or identity theft insurance.
- Costs for credit reports or credit freezes.
- Bank fees, interest charges, or postage related to the breach.
- Professional fees, such as those paid to accountants or lawyers to resolve identity theft issues.
Compensation for Lost Time
The settlement acknowledges that responding to a data breach takes time. Class members can often claim a set hourly rate for time spent dealing with the incident, such as changing passwords, monitoring accounts, or speaking with bank representatives. Usually, you can claim a certain number of hours without providing extensive documentation, though higher claims may require more proof.
Extraordinary Loss Reimbursement
If you were a victim of actual identity theft or fraud that can be directly traced to the MGM breach, you may be eligible for a much higher payment. This category covers unreimbursed losses resulting from fraudulent charges or identity theft that occurred after the breach date.
Credit Monitoring Services
In addition to or instead of cash payments, the settlement often provides several years of comprehensive credit monitoring and identity restoration services. This is a proactive way to protect your financial health moving forward.
How to File Your Claim: A Step-by-Step Guide
Filing a claim is the only way to receive a payment from the settlement. If you do nothing, you will not receive any compensation and you will give up your right to sue MGM Resorts individually regarding this breach in the future.
Step 1: Locate Your Notice
Find the email or letter sent to you regarding the MGM data breach. Keep your Notice ID and PIN handy, as these will be required to log into the secure settlement portal.
Step 2: Visit the Official Settlement Website
Navigate to the official settlement administration website. Be careful to use only the official site to avoid potential scams. The official site will have a clear “File a Claim” button on the homepage.
Step 3: Complete the Claim Form
The claim form will ask for your current contact information and details about which benefits you are choosing. You will need to decide if you are claiming for lost time, out-of-pocket expenses, or both. Be honest and accurate in your descriptions to avoid delays in processing.
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documentation
If you are claiming reimbursement for specific expenses, you will need to provide proof. This can include receipts, bank statements showing fraudulent charges, or invoices for credit monitoring. Digital copies (PDFs or clear photos) can be uploaded directly to the portal.
Step 5: Choose Your Payment Method
Most settlements now offer multiple ways to receive your payment. You can typically choose between a physical check, a direct deposit into your bank account, or a digital payment through services like PayPal or Venmo. Selecting a digital option often results in receiving your funds faster once the settlement is finalized.
Step 6: Submit and Save Your Confirmation
After reviewing your information, submit the form. You should receive a claim confirmation number. Save this number for your records, as you will need it if you ever need to contact the settlement administrator about the status of your payment.
Important Deadlines to Remember
Every class action settlement has strict deadlines. If you miss the deadline to file a claim, you will not be able to receive compensation. There are also deadlines if you wish to “opt-out” of the settlement (to preserve your right to sue individually) or if you wish to object to the terms of the settlement.
Check the official settlement website frequently for the “Claim Filing Deadline.” These dates are sometimes extended by the court, but it is best to file as early as possible once the portal is open. Payments are usually distributed only after the court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved, which can take several months.
Tips for a Successful Claim
To ensure your claim is processed smoothly, keep these tips in mind. First, double-check your contact information; if the administrator cannot reach you, you cannot get paid. Second, be as detailed as possible when describing lost time or expenses. Third, keep copies of everything you submit.
Finally, be patient. Class action settlements involve millions of people, and the verification process is thorough. It is common for it to take six months to a year from the filing deadline before checks are actually mailed out.
Conclusion
The MGM data breach settlement is a vital resource for anyone whose personal information was put at risk during the 2023 cyberattack. By taking a few minutes to file a claim, you can secure reimbursement for your expenses and compensation for your time. Remember to gather your documentation, use your unique Notice ID, and submit your form before the deadline.
Staying informed about your rights as a consumer is the best way to protect yourself in the digital age. For more guides on protecting your identity and navigating online services, explore our other helpful articles on digital security and consumer rights.