Fear of identify theft is spreading fast as consumers are finding out that Anthem, Inc., the second largest health insurer in the United States, is the most recent victim of a massive data breach impacting an estimated 80 million consumers.
We want to help ease that fear.
As of February 4, 2015, Anthem has confirmed that a network intrusion has led to the compromise of personally identifying information, including name, date of birth, Social Security number, street and email address, and some employment information. Now, we know this kind of breach can be completely overwhelming so we wanted to offer you all some tips on how to stay on guard during this time.
Follow these 5 recommended steps to remain vigilant against possible identity fraud:
- Be wary of emails or telephone calls that request information! Neither Anthem nor our financial institution will ask you to provide any information in relation to this possible data breach incident.
- Check your Account Statements. Review your statements carefully and repeatedly. Any purchases, large or small, should be verified as a purchase you made.
- Check Your Mail and Your Email. Look for mail and emails addressed to you that you do not recognize. This may include credit card accounts, medical bills, or notices from companies with which you do not have a relationship.
- Get Help. You are not responsible for fraudulent transactions on your account, but you need to notify us as soon as possible if you see any suspicious activity.
In addition, if you are concerned about fraud beyond the transactions on your current account, you may have access to an Identity Fraud Protection program that includes Fully Managed Identity Fraud Research, Remediation, and Recovery Services. If you have signed up for Fraud Defender through our DCTFCU website, then you have access to a program that will work on your behalf to remediate any fraud. - Take Action. If you suspect that your identity has been compromised, you can place a fraud alert on your credit file by calling any one of the three major credit reporting agencies shown below. A fraud alert is a notation on your credit file to warn credit issuers that there may be a problem. The credit issuer is asked to contact you at the telephone number that you supply to validate that you are the person applying for the credit. This is not the same as credit monitoring.TransUnion: 1.800.916.8800
Experian: 1.888.397.3742
Equifax: 1.800.685.1111In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, it is permissible for consumers to request a free copy of their credit report once every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax). To order a free credit report:
Online: www.annualcreditreport.com or by Telephone: 1.877.322.8228
Below is some important information specifically concerning the Anthem Breach:
- Anthem has created a website to pass along information to the public (www.anthemfacts.com) and a toll-free telephone number for questions (877-263-7995). Those consumers who find that fraud has been perpetrated against them are encouraged to report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
- Anthem will also offer free credit monitoring services to compromised customers. An announcement will be sent to compromised consumers with information regarding how to activate these services. HOWEVER, credit monitoring only alerts you to new credit or changes to your existing credit. Much criminal activity using stolen identification information does not trigger a credit monitoring alert.
- DCTFCU accountholders will not be responsible for any fraudulent account charges. If you suspect any fraudulent transactions, please contact DCTFCU immediately at 270-684-8954.
- If your DCTFCU account includes identity theft protection, or if you have purchased an identity theft protection package from our website, and you suspect identity fraud of any kind, let us know. Whether it is financial or non-financial fraud, even if it is not connected to this incident, we can help. You will be assigned to a certified, professional Identity Recovery Advocate at no cost to you. These professionals are standing by to answer questions, place fraud alerts, research potential fraud, dispute fraudulent transactions on your behalf, and perform the legwork to return you to pre-theft status, no matter how long it takes—all at no cost to you as a valued accountholder with DCTFCU. If you have not signed up and have any questions or would like more information, feel free to contact us or visit the website at www.dctfcu.com/fraud-defender.
- If you are interested in getting a credit report, you can get a Free Credit Report at www.annualcreditreport.com
We appreciate your trust in our financial institution. It is important to us to see that you are provided with all available information and services to help you feel secure in any identity theft incident that affects you and/or your family.