Possible telephone scam targeting health plan subscribers

The North Carolina State Health Plan (SHP) has been notified of a possible telephone scam involving plan subscribers. A few state employees have reported receiving telephone calls on their cell or home numbers from a person who states they are calling to verify the subscriber’s medical records with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC).

Because of telephone “spoofing,” the number on the caller ID may register as belonging to BCBSNC. In some cases, the caller already had the subscriber’s home address or other basic contact information. Callers have reportedly asked the subscriber to provide their birthday or full Social Security number.

Note: The State Health Plan and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina will never call subscribers asking for verification of sensitive personal information, especially a full Social Security number.

Currently, these incidents appear isolated. As a precaution, SHP is working with vendors and local authorities to determine the sources of these calls and if any member information is at risk. SHP will keep members updated as more information becomes available.

Individuals who receive such a call should immediately hang up and call the number listed on the back of their BCBSNC/Health Plan ID card to report the scam.

Additional reminders:

• There may be times when a health care provider will return a call and ask for identity verification to proceed with the conversation. Individuals who are not expecting such a call should hang up and call the doctor’s office at the published telephone number to confirm the authenticity of the caller.
• Inviduals who believe they were a victim of this or any other identity scam should consider putting a security freeze on their credit report.