A cyberattack in February that has upended many health care companies and pharmacies has spawned reports of scammers contacting patients to obtain credit card information, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison warned this month.
Hackers attacked the UnitedHealth Group through its Change Healthcare division on February 21, causing some companies to go out of business entirely as payments were delayed, also potentially have access to private information for millions of people across the country.
Earlier: Hacking at UnitedHealth unit cripples a swath of the US health system. Here’s what to know.
“There are already reports of scammers contacting people around the country, posing as hospital, clinic or pharmacy employees. Some of them reportedly involve alleged payments, rebates or refunds related to drugs or other health services, apparently aimed at obtaining credit card information,” said the Minnesota Hospital Association this week in a press release.
“I am urging all Minnesotans to be on the lookout for calls from scammers pretending to be your healthcare provider and asking for your credit card number,” Ellison said in a statement. “If you receive a call like this, do not provide any information. Instead, you should hang up, then dial your medical provider yourself to determine whether they actually need your payment information.”
“If you do receive any suspicious calls like this, please report them to my office as soon as possible,” added Ellison. “Remember, these scammers make a living by tricking people. They are sophisticated, experienced, and persuasive, so be on your guard.”
More: Biden team, UnitedHealth struggle to restore paralyzed billing systems after cyberattack
Complaints can be filed with Ellison’s office online using the Consumer Assistance Request Form or by calling 651-296-3353, 800-657-3787 or 800-627-3529 (Minnesota Relay).
“This is a challenging time for health care in Minnesota, and the Minnesota Hospital Association urges providers and patients to exercise every caution as this cyberattack continues to unfold,” the hospital association wrote in its press release.
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