Senator Venditto Alerts Consumers to Potential Risks Following BlueCross BlueShield insurer Anthem Data Breach

Chairman of the Senate Consumer Protection Committee, State Senator Michael Venditto, (R, C, I- Massapequa), alerted consumers today of potential risks following Anthem’s data breach.

BlueCross BlueShield insurer Anthem reported that personal records of a number of their customers had been compromised during a very sophisticated external cyber attack. According to the company, the attack allowed the hackers to gain access to personally identifiable information including names, addresses, birthdates and social security numbers which could make those affected vulnerable to identity theft.

Anthem will be notifying all current and former members who were affected and provide them with free credit monitoring assistance. They have also created a website: www.anthemfacts.com and a toll-free number: 1-877-263-7995, for current and former members can call if they have questions related to this incident.

If you are insured by Anthem, please be proactive in protecting yourself from identity theft by utilizing the company’s assistance and by taking steps to protect your finances and your identity.

Additionally, for parents or guardians who may have had a child’s identity stolen with this data breach, due to a bill that was signed into law last year they may request credit agencies to place a credit record freeze on the account of a minor.