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300,000 Minnesotans Reportedly Affected By Anthem Data Breach

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Minnesota Department of Commerce says that health insurer Anthem, Inc. has reported that the social security numbers of more than 200,000 Minnesotans and the personal information of another 100,000 have been compromised.

The department announced the data breach Tuesday, saying that the cyber-attack happened late last month. While the company doesn't sell products directly in the state, Anthem does have employee-sponsored insurance plans in Minnesota.

"This cyber-attack appears to have compromised Anthem's data involving over 300,000 Minnesotans, among millions of consumers across the country," said Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman in a release. "Consumers should take advantage of the credit monitoring protection offered by Anthem and continue to watch their banking and other financial accounts for any potential suspicious activity."

According to the department, Anthem estimates that the social security numbers of 206,800 Minnesotans could be at risk. Moreover, the personal information – including names, identification numbers, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers, employment information, email address, and income data – could be compromised for more than 106,000 Minnesotans.

In response to the breach, Anthem is offering two years of identity theft repair and credit monitoring services to members of an affected Anthem plan, the department said.

Those who believe they've been affected by the breach are encouraged to call 877-263-7995 to get assistance from Anthem. They can also call the Commerce Department at 612-539-1600 with questions.

So far, Anthem says it has yet to see any fraudulent activity due to the breach, which remains under investigation.

For more information on the breach and how to get help, click here to see Anthem's fact page.

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