BBB warns of fake Anthem emails

A man walks past health insurer Anthem’s corporate headquarters in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015. Hackers broke into the company’s database storing information for about 80 million people in an attack bound to stoke fears many Americans have about the privacy of their most sensitive information. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

by: Megan Little

Posted: Feb 9, 2015 / 03:37 PM EST

Updated: Feb 9, 2015 / 03:37 PM EST

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) The Better Business Bureau serving Northern Indian is warning residents to be aware of scammers sending out emails that convincingly spoof Anthem’s logo and corporate look. The BBB said the email is unrelated to the data breach itself. However it is taking advantage of people’s fears.

The emails claiming to be from Anthem provide information about free credit monitoring. The BBB said people should not click on links or open attachments in emails claiming to be from Anthem.

People should get their information from Anthem’s website, not from a link in an email or other website. According to Anthem’s website, the company will individually notify current and former members whose information was accessed. The company will begin to mail letters to impacted members in the coming weeks.

The BBB recommends that people consider placing a free fraud alert on credit reports. People can contact one of the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian or TransUnionCorp. Once a fraud alert is added to one, the company will notify the other two, according to the BBB.

For stronger protection, people can consider a credit freeze, which is recommended by the Indiana State Attorney General. For a link to each of the credit agencies website, click here.