Anthem data breach - next steps if affected?
 

My employer used Anthem up until 12/31 of last year, so I have to assume that I'm on of the lucky 80 million people who's SSN's and other personal info are now in the hands of the bad guys :mad:.

So, what to do...Anthem is offering 24 months of credit monitoring, but what happens after that? It sounds like I'll need to be vigilant for the rest of my life, so if I sign up for their monitoring am I on my own after 2 years?

It sure seems like they should be paying the bill for the duration.

These hacks are getting completely out of control.

Step 1 get at least one maybe all 3 credit reports Now or at least right after you sign up for their so called protection

Step 2 sign up for their monitoring it is only free for 2 yrs and they will only notify you if there is an inquiry or change, they will not tell you about damage before you sign up

Step 3 you get to pay for the rest of your life, once the info is out there it'e out there

Step 4 join one of the class action laww suits

IMO paying any of these monitoring companies is kind of like closing the barn door after the horse is gone...I prefer to simply lock the door (for free). I froze my credit with all three agencies many years ago and that's what I'd suggest for you in this situation. A minor inconvenience when you want to "unfreeze" one for a temporary legitimate check, but way better than paying someone else to simply monitor and inform you after the fact. VERY easy to do these days via a web page, and I think it's free now...good luck!

My company switched last year. I was only with them for a few months. They say they are still trying to figure out which members had data stolen. Not sure that is possible with any degree of certainty. I haven't seen any fraudulent charges on my accounts yet.

Freezing your credit report may cost you 5 to 10 dollars at each credit service depending on which state you live in. It also cost to temporarily unfreeze your report. You also have to freeze anyone else who was on your insurance plan

The data breach did not include credit card information so you would not need to worry about existing accounts. The real problem is the ability to establish new credit accounts using your stolen ID information, that's why the credit monitoring service and ID insurance is being offered by Anthem.

Personally, I haven't been notified by Anthem as yet but I certainly think I am affected. I am considering a freeze on all new credit inquiries.

And if our kids were on our insurance, I'm assuming that they also are at risk? For the rest of THEIR lives??

When my credit was hacked I placed a "freeze" through Experian. They notify the other credit agencies, so you are essentially "frozen" with all three. No cost to freeze, I think they charge when you "unfreeze".
Experian: (888)397-3742

Transunion: (800)888-4213

Equifax: (888)202-4025

Quick follow up.....I would recommend that EVERYONE freeze their credit at the three agencies whether your personal info has been breached or not. Back in the day, it required a letter (and $10) sent to each of the agencies. Now it would appear to be even easier. I've never had to pay to unfreeze my credit (Equifiax) for the few times I've needed to over the past decade or so. Freeze your credit, and NO ONE will be able to open a charge account, purchase a phone plan, etc. unless YOU temporarily unfreeze it at the specific agency the provider is using....absolutely painless and effective imo. Just do it....:D

ps: As a bonus...if you have a great credit rating...the bs credit card offers will cease to appear in your mailbox too :)