DCI News

Jefferson City, Mo.  ­- The Missouri Department of Insurance says Anthem policyholders who may have had their personal data breached will be contacted by the insurer through the U.S. Postal Service. They should be suspicious of any other correspondence that appears to be from Anthem about the breach. The department has set up a Web page with information about the cyberattack.

"Anthem has said it will be notifying affected consumers by U.S. mail," said Insurance Director John M. Huff. "Emails, telephone calls and any other form of communication purporting to be from Anthem are most likely going to be scams. Missourians should take appropriate action."

Huff said consumers should stay calm and closely monitor the situation. Continue to watch banking, credit card and other financial accounts for fraudulent activity, and contact Anthem if they need additional information.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reported to the department on Feb. 4 that it had been a victim of a cyberattack and that the personal information of its policyholders had been compromised.

An initial analysis by Anthem showed the accessed data contained member names and health identification numbers, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, home and email addresses, telephone numbers, and employment and income data.

Consumers who believe they may have been impacted by the security breach should call 877-263-7995, the toll-free number Anthem has established to assist consumers. Anthem has also set up a website at www.anthemfacts.com to answer questions. Keep this address for future reference, advises Director Huff. Do not click on links sent via email or social media: They may be a scam. Scam artists often will send "phishing" emails that appear to be from your bank or Anthem offering to help.   

Consumers may also contact the Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390.