Credit Protection
Credit Protection Information for Anthem Customers
Anthem, the second-largest health insurer in the United States, is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company announced on February 4, 2015, that computer hackers were able to breach its database through an attack and accessed sensitive information of 80 million current and former customers.
Concerned consumers have turned to the Attorney General in their respective states to learn more about how they can protect themselves now that their personal information is in the hands of cyber-thieves.
The Indiana Attorney General advises Indiana consumers they can sign up for a free credit freeze with each of the three credit bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. A credit freeze can block a thief from opening up a new line of credit or obtaining a loan in your name. It essentially keeps creditors from accessing your credit report without your information. The credit freeze can be temporarily lifted anytime you wish to apply for credit in the future. The credit freeze is free of charge for Indiana residents. A personal identification number will be issued for use in lifting the freeze whenever you want to apply for credit. For more information and to apply for a credit freeze, click here.
In some states, the credit bureau companies charge to place a credit freeze. Be sure to consult the fee schedule for your respective state.
- Equifax credit freeze fee chart [Equifax has since removed the pricing details from their official website].
- TransUnion credit freeze fee chart.
- Experian users need to log in to access fee information.
In addition to a credit freeze, consumers should be sure to closely monitor their bank accounts and credit information as well as securely shred paperwork that contains sensitive information in order to further protect themselves.
The website NextAdvisor.com offers independent research of identity theft protection services for consumers looking for more information about these services.