Anthem warns customers about scam emails related to data breach

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is warning Connecticut residents to be aware of scam emails targeting current and former customers of the insurer, which was targeted by hackers who gained access to millions of customer records. The emails are made to look as if they come from Anthem and offer a “click here” link for people who want credit monitoring, but are actually intended to capture customers’ personal information, the company said.

Anthem said it is not calling Connecticut members about the cyberattack and will not ask for credit card information or Social Security numbers by phone. Current and former customers will receive information from the company in the mail.

People who receive the emails should not click on any links, reply to the email, open attachments or provide any information to websites that are linked from the email, Anthem said.

According to Anthem, there is no indication that the scam emails are being sent by the hackers involved in the cyberattack, or that scammers are using information accessed in the attack.

More information about recognizing scam email is available at http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0003-phishing.

Information on the Anthem data breach is available at www.anthemfacts.com and www.ct.gov/anthemadvice.