State officials are warning about possible scams that could result in the wake of the recent Medicaid data breach in Utah.
"Con artists follow the local news like the rest of us, so we are asking consumers to stay one step ahead of the fraudsters by reminding them government agencies would never ask for personal information over the phone or by text or by email," Francine Giani, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce, said in a statement.
She added that scam artists might use those methods.
Representatives of the Utah Department of Health, where the breach occurred, and the Department of Technology Services said the agencies would not contact Utah consumers to ask for account information. Correspondence will be by mail to those affected or officials will return phone calls placed to them, said Department of Health spokesman Tom Hudachko.
Consumers were reminded to never give out Social Security numbers or other identifying information to people they do not know.
Visit www.health.utah.gov/databreach for information on how to monitor your credit, including how to place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your files. In addition, Medicaid clients can call a hotline for the Department of Health at 1-855-238-3339.
-
Analysis: Does religious freedom report need more ‘teeth’?
Published May 22, 2013 12:57:20PM -
Mormon church gives update on funeral plans for Frances Monson
Published May 22, 2013 12:57:15PM -
To fight childhood obesity: drop that bottle, baby!
Published May 22, 2013 12:55:02PM -
Salt Lake County set to create ‘mutual commitment registry’
Published May 22, 2013 12:50:09PM
Copyright 2013 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
