AIC Data Breach Class Action Settlement: How to File a Claim by July 22, 2026
Shea v. American International College Data Breach Class Action Settlement
American International College agreed to a $315,000 settlement over allegations that a November 2023 targeted cyberattack on AIC's computer systems exposed files containing Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and financial information. U.S. residents whose Personal Information was potentially compromised in the incident can claim a pro rata cash payment (estimated around $50), up to $5,000 in documented out-of-pocket losses, and two years of CyEx Financial Shield Complete credit monitoring with $1 million in fraud insurance.
Settlement fund
$315K
Common fund
Top payout
Up to $5,000
Documented out-of-pocket losses
Claim deadline
Jul 22, 2026
72 days remaining
You may be owed money
Filing is free and takes a few minutes. Deadline: Jul 22, 2026.
Do you qualify?
You are a Class Member if ALL of the following apply:
- You are a U.S. resident.
- Your Personal Information was potentially compromised in the November 2023 Data Incident discovered by AIC (most class members received direct notice from AIC).
- Excluded: The Judge in this case, and the Judge's family and staff; AIC and its officers, directors, and related companies; and anyone who validly excludes themselves from the Settlement.
Not sure if you qualify? Call the Settlement Administrator toll-free 24/7 at 1-833-386-6521, email info@AICDataSettlement.com, or visit AICDataSettlement.com.
What happened
The lawsuit alleges that in November 2023, American International College's computer systems were hit by a targeted cyberattack in which certain files containing personal information, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and financial information, were accessed. Kelly Shea filed suit on behalf of a putative class of U.S. residents whose data was potentially compromised, and the case was captioned Kelly Shea v. American International College in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
AIC denies the allegations and denies any wrongdoing or liability, and the Court has not decided in favor of either side. The parties agreed to settle to avoid the costs, risks, disruptions, and uncertainties of continued litigation. The settlement establishes a $315,000 Settlement Fund, plus two years of CyEx Financial Shield Complete credit monitoring with $1 million in fraud insurance for all Class Members.
How to file a claim
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1
Confirm you are eligible
You must be a U.S. resident whose Personal Information was potentially compromised in the November 2023 Data Incident discovered by AIC. Most Class Members received a direct notice from AIC. If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact the Settlement Administrator at 1-833-386-6521 or info@AICDataSettlement.com.
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2
Choose your benefits
All Class Members can enroll in two years of CyEx Financial Shield Complete credit monitoring with $1 million in fraud insurance. You can also choose between two cash options: (A) a one-time pro rata cash payment from the remainder of the Settlement Fund (estimated around $50, but the actual amount depends on total valid claims), or (B) reimbursement of up to $5,000 for actual, documented out-of-pocket losses incurred between November 14, 2023 and July 22, 2026 caused by the Data Incident, such as identity theft losses, credit report or credit freeze fees, ID replacement costs, and postage. Cash Payment B requires supporting documentation (bank statements, receipts, etc.) and cannot cover losses already reimbursed by a third party.
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3
File online or by mail
Submit the Claim Form online at AICDataSettlement.com by July 22, 2026, or mail a paper Claim Form (postmarked by July 22, 2026) to: AIC Data Incident Settlement, c/o Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 25226, Santa Ana, CA 92799. Required documentation must be submitted with the Claim Form for the out-of-pocket reimbursement option. The Long Form Notice and Settlement Agreement are available at AICDataSettlement.com.
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4
Receive your payment
Payments are issued after the Court grants final approval at the August 6, 2026 Final Approval Hearing and any appeals are resolved. The appeal process can take a year or more. No follow-up is required once your Claim Form and any supporting documentation are submitted.
Key dates
- Jun 22, 2026 Opt-out & objection deadline Upcoming
- Jul 22, 2026 Claim filing deadline Upcoming
- Aug 6, 2026 Final Fairness Hearing (11:30 a.m. ET, in person) Upcoming
- TBD after final approval Payments issued to claimants Pending
The Final Approval Hearing is scheduled for August 6, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. ET in Room 8 of the District Court for the District of Massachusetts, 1 Courthouse Way, Boston, MA 02210. The Court may move the hearing without further notice, so check AICDataSettlement.com or PACER before traveling.
Where the money is going
This is a $315,000 Settlement Fund. Court-approved attorneys' fees and costs, the Service Award for the Class Representative, and the costs of administering the Settlement come out of the fund before payments are calculated for Class Members. Credit monitoring is provided in addition to the cash benefits.
All amounts listed above are pending and subject to final court approval at the Final Approval Hearing. The Court may award less than the amounts requested. The pro rata Cash Payment A is expected to be approximately $50 per claimant but will be larger or smaller depending on the total claims filed. If valid documented out-of-pocket losses (Cash Payment B) plus other approved amounts exceed what remains of the fund, payments will be reduced on a pro rata basis.
Common questions
How much money will I receive?
Class Members can choose between two cash options. Cash Payment A is a one-time pro rata cash payment expected to be approximately $50, but the actual amount may be larger or smaller depending on the total number of claims filed. Cash Payment B is reimbursement of up to $5,000 for actual, documented out-of-pocket losses caused by the Data Incident and incurred between November 14, 2023 and July 22, 2026. In addition, all Class Members can enroll in two years of CyEx Financial Shield Complete credit monitoring with $1 million in fraud insurance.
Do I need to submit proof of purchase?
Documentation is required for Cash Payment B (out-of-pocket reimbursement). You must submit proof such as bank statements or receipts showing how much you spent or lost as a result of the Data Incident. Self-prepared notes can support other proof but are not enough on their own. You cannot claim expenses that have already been reimbursed by a third party. Cash Payment A and the credit monitoring enrollment do not require documentation of loss. Review the Claim Form at AICDataSettlement.com for exact requirements.
What if I didn’t receive a notice?
You can still file a claim if you did not receive a direct notice, so long as your Personal Information was potentially compromised in the November 2023 Data Incident. Direct notice was sent to individuals AIC identified as affected. If you believe you are a Settlement Class Member, visit AICDataSettlement.com, email info@AICDataSettlement.com, or call the Settlement Administrator toll-free 24/7 at 1-833-386-6521.
Does staying in the class affect my right to sue later?
Yes. Unless you opt out by submitting a written, personally signed Request for Exclusion postmarked or emailed by June 22, 2026, you will be bound by the Settlement and you will release the legal claims at issue against AIC related to the November 2023 Data Incident. That means you cannot sue AIC separately about the same incident. The full release language is in Section XI of the Settlement Agreement, available at AICDataSettlement.com.
When will payments be sent out?
The Court will hold the Final Approval Hearing on August 6, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. ET in Room 8 of the District Court for the District of Massachusetts in Boston. Payments will only be issued after the Court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved. The appeal process can take a year or more. No action is required after a valid Claim Form is submitted, just check AICDataSettlement.com for status updates.
Dapeer Law, P.A.
Consumer class action attorneys based in South Florida. We track settlements so you don’t have to.
Similar open settlements
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Dapeer Law, P.A. is not the administrator of this settlement and is not affiliated with American International College, AIC Data Incident Settlement Administrator (Simpluris) (the Settlement Administrator), or Class Counsel Cassandra P. Miller of Strauss Borrelli PLLC. The case is Kelly Shea v. American International College, Case No. 1:24-cv-11449-AK, pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts before the Honorable Angel Kelley. Class representatives are Kelly Shea. AIC denies wrongdoing. This website is attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
