Anthem Insurance is the latest corporate victim of computer hackers who apparently stole the personal information of current and former customers, according to the Better Business Bureau.
The names, addresses, social security numbers, dates of birth and other information that can be used for identity theft may have been stolen from millions of people and the bureau is suggesting immediate action for customers who are concerned.
Data breaches involving social security numbers can be more detrimental to victims and the damage more difficult to repair than others and “you must act quickly,” the bureau said in a news release. “Do not take a ‘wait and see’ approach as you might have done with breaches involving credit card data.”
Anthem has set up a separate website with information on the breach, but the bureau recommends that consumers always go to a company’s main website first and follow links from there. Scammers often take advantage of data breaches and subsequent confusion to set up spoof websites and send phishing emails.
Anthem Inc. also operates as Wellpoint, Inc., Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, and Administar Federal, Inc., according to its BBB Business Review. Not all Blue Cross & Blue Shield companies are part of the Anthem network, however. Those who are not sure should call the number on the back of their insurance card or go directly to their insurer’s website.
The bureau also offers the following suggestions for those concerned that their personal information has been stolen:
1. Consider taking a preemptive strike by freezing credit reports. This will not impact existing credit cards and financial accounts, but will create a roadblock for thieves seeking to create fraudulent accounts using personal information.
2. At a minimum, if you know your social security number has been compromised, place a fraud alert on your credit reports. While less effective than a freeze, this will provide an extra layer of protection. Take advantage of the free credit monitoring services Anthem will be offering to breach victims. While this is not a preventative measure, this will alert you to new accounts or inquiries using your social security number so that you can act quickly to repair the damage.
3. Vigilance is key. Regularly check credit reports at annualcreditreport.com, the only free credit report option authorized by the Federal Trade Commission, for unauthorized charges or other signs of fraud.
4. For more information and complete step-by-step guidance on repairing the damage caused by identity theft, visit the FTC’s identity theft resources.
5. Expect scammers to take advantage of this data breach to send out phishing emails and other messages that appear to be from Anthem, a credit bureau or other legitimate companies. Do not click on links from any email, text or social media messages about this or any other data breach.
For all businesses that collect customer information:
• Make sure you protect customers’ data. If a data breach can happen to a major corporation with significant data security measures in place, it can happen to any business.
• Check out the bureau’s updated online guide “Data Security – Made Simpler” for free information on how to create a data security plan.
