Scammers posed as physicians to obtain data and submit false claims, Horizon says
NEWARK -- Health insurer Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey said Friday some members' personal information was taken by thieves who posed as doctors, although none of the data included critical information such as Social Security numbers.
"On July 30, 2015, we learned that some of our members' personal information may have been accessed due to fraudulent activity," the company said in a statement posted to its Web site. "Horizon BCBSNJ's Special Investigations Unit discovered that several perpetrators falsely established themselves as doctors or other health care professionals and obtained Horizon BCBSNJ member identification numbers, and potentially other personal information, through methods typically only available to legitimate doctors and health care professionals."
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Using the stolen information, someone put in claims for medical services that were never performed .Horizon has notified the FBI and is assisting law enforcement with the investigation, the company also said. At least 1,100 customers were affected.
The thieves obtained information such as names, birth dates, gender and Horizon identification numbers from victims, the company said, but did not get medical records, financial information or Social Security numbers. Victims whose information was used to submit false claims have already been notified and letters to other affected members began going out Friday.
The company urged any member who suspects their data had been obtained to call if they do not receive a letter by Oct. 5. Horizon can be reached at 1-855-447-4755 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com .Follow him on Twitter @PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook
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