Blue Shield of California members with vision coverage may have had highly sensitive personal information stolen in a hack, the insurer said.
Blue Shield in letters to affected policy holders offered a year of free identity monitoring, and provided advice. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission also provides guidance for people worried they may have been victims of identity theft through stolen personal information.
The credit monitoring from Sunnyvale-based Kroll includes alerts when a person’s credit data changes, for example when a new line of credit is opened in their name; or when someone’s data shows up for illegal sale; or when names, aliases or addresses become associated with a person’s Social Security number; or when a cash-advance or short-term loan is taken out using a person’s information. The service also includes up to $1 million for eligible out-of-pocket expenses related to an identity-fraud event, plus consultation with a fraud specialist, and if necessary, an investigator.
Here’s what Blue Shield advises for affected members:
1. Regularly and closely review credit reports and financial account statements for suspicious activity, and notify financial institutions and relevant companies if such activity is found. Identity fraud should be reported to law enforcement, and to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the state Attorney General’s office.