Division of Insurance warns about scams related to Anthem breach

Thursday, February 12, 2015 11:57 AM

Anthem’s outreach will be conducted via U.S. mail, not phone or email

The Colorado Division of Insurance warns current and former Anthem policyholders in Colorado to be aware of a scam email and phone campaign that tries to capitalize on the recent cyber attack.

“If you’ve been impacted, Anthem will mail a letter in the coming weeks,” said Insurance Commissioner Marguerite Salazar. “Emails and phone calls claiming to be from Anthem are probably scams looking to get your personal information. Identity theft spawns many companion scams so people should be on their guard.”

The emails are designed to capture personal information (known as “phishing”) and appear to come from Anthem. The emails include a “click here” link for credit monitoring or other information. The phone calls may also sound as if they are legitimately from Anthem.

• DO NOT provide any personal or credit card information to these callers.
• DO NOT click on any links in the email.
• DO NOT reply to the email or reach out to the senders in any way.
• DO NOT supply any information on the website that may open if you click on a link in the email.
• DO NOT open any attachments that arrive with the email.

The Better Business Bureau recommends that consumers not take a “wait and see” approach, because security breaches involving social security numbers can be more detrimental to victims. The BBB suggests putting a freeze on your credit reports or at least placing a fraud alert on your credit reports.  For more suggestions see - BBB Offers Advice on What to Do After a Data Breach.

Anthem has established a dedicated website for members to get information about this breach – www.anthemfacts.com. Current and former Anthem members can also call Anthem’s dedicated toll-free number with questions about this incident, 1-877-263-7995.

Anthem will contact current and former members by letter via the U.S. Postal Service about the cyber-attack, with specific information on how to enroll in credit monitoring. Affected members will receive free credit monitoring and ID protection services.