ATLANTA — During the month of January, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield became the target of a security breach. The reported breach involves BCBS policyholders and their personal information. The Georgia Department of Insurance report stated that the Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens is monitoring the breach but would like policyholders to protect themselves by being aware of the situation.
The GDI report stated that the breach included “unauthorized access of consumer information including member names, member health identification numbers, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, employment information and income data.”
Anthem is working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and a cybersecurity firm to evaluate the breach. Until a resolution is found Anthem will be giving free credit monitoring and protection services to policyholders affected by the breach.
Anthem would like their customers to stay calm as they resolve the situation. They also ask that their customers be suspicious of any activity where their user names, passwords and credit card information could be compromised.
The report also stated that “Anthem has said it is not yet aware of any fraudulent activity against policyholders that has occurred as a result of the breach.”
For Anthem policyholders, “Call (877) 263-7995, the toll-free number Anthem has established to assist consumers. Anthem has also set up a special website at www.anthemfacts.com to answer questions. Be sure to type in the web address directly. Do not click on any links sent to you in an email or via social media, as scammers will try to take advantage of the breach. Often they will send phishing emails that appear to be from your bank or Anthem offering to help.” or “Consumers can also contact Commissioner Hudgens’ Consumer Services Division at 404-656-2070, or toll-free at 1-800-656-2298.”
Anthem provided a list of ways policyholders can protect themselves:
1.You may want to consider placing a freeze on your credit report with the three major credit reporting agencies. This allows you to restrict access to your credit report, making it more difficult for identify thieves to open new accounts in your name. Be sure to protect the information of your family as well – including children and elderly parents. For more information about a credit freeze, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Information Credit Freeze FAQs.
2.Contact your bank or credit card company if you notice suspicious activity on your account. You may ask them to put a security block on your account or preemptively request a new credit or debit card.
3.Make sure to closely monitor your accounts, credit score, bank, credit card and other financial information.
