Beware of identity thieves

Identity theft is on the rise. But, there is someone who can stop it — you!

Identity theft takes place when someone uses your personally identifying information — such as your name, Social Security number, health insurance card number, or credit card number — without your permission. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that some 9 million Americans have their identity stolen each year.

UPMC Health Plan members should be especially aware of a specific form of identity theft known as “pretexting,” the practice of obtaining personal information under false pretenses. A common method of pretexting is for someone to call and say that he or she is calling from an insurance company. Later, in the context of the conversation, the caller will ask for such information as a Social Security number or a bank account number.

To guard against pretexting, never provide any personal information in a phone call that you did not initiate. You can be certain that no representative of UPMC Health Plan would ever call you unsolicited and ask for this kind of information. The Health Plan has access to the pertinent personal information about you that it needs, and it would not ask you to provide any additional information during a telephone call.

In addition to pretexting, identity thieves can use other methods to obtain personal information. These include:

• Dumpster Diving. Some thieves rummage through trash to find old credit card bills, insurance cards, or other papers that include personal information. Make sure to cut up or shred such papers before you dispose of them.
• Phishing. Fake companies may send spam or pop-up e-mail messages to get you to reveal your personal information. Again, if the contact is not initiated by you, you should not release personal information.
• Stealing. Stolen wallets, purses, and mail (including insurance cards and bank and credit card statements) can result in the loss of sensitive information.

If you believe that someone has attempted to illegally obtain personal information related to your health care coverage, contact our Special Investigations Unit’s Fraud Hotline at 1-866-FRAUD-01, or write to:
                                                           
                                                UPMC Health Plan
                                                Special Investigations Unit
                                                P.O. Box 2968
                                                Pittsburgh, PA 15230