Extortion: The newest identity theft risk. You need LifeLock more than ever.

If you’re among the millions of Americans whose health benefits are managed through Express Scripts, it’s possible that your personal information is being held for ransom in a high-stakes extortion attempt that

According to Express Scripts’ CEO George Paz, early in October they received a letter in which the extortionists demanded money and threatened to make public personal information of millions of Express Scripts’ customers. Enclosed with the ransom demand was a list of 75 customers’ names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and, in some cases, prescription information.

Paz didn’t reveal the amount of money demanded in the letter, but said the company will not pay the extortionists. The letter was immediately turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the company is cooperating fully with the FBI’s investigation, he said.

Shortly after Paz went public with information on the extortion attempt, Express Scripts’ clients began receiving similar letters which have also been given to the FBI. As the extortionists draw more targets into their net, Paz announced Express Scripts is offering a $1 million reward to anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of the extortionists.

Express Scripts represents thousands of clients including union-sponsored plans, employers and health insurers, and manages prescriptions benefits for approximately 50 million people.

Because identity theft threats continually become more sophisticated and more widespread, it’s more important than ever that you protect your finances, credit and your privacy with LifeLock’s identity theft protection services.

Visit their website at LifeLock.com to learn more about the comprehensive and innovative tools and strategies that have made them the identity theft protection plan chosen by nearly 1.5 million Americans. Enroll in their services from their secure website or by phone (1-800-LifeLock), but be sure to use the Life Lock promo code Defense to get a discount.

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3 Comments

  1. Jennifer Tillman
    Posted December 2, 2008 at 1:24 pm | Permalink

    I am not sure what you would do in that situation. You can’t just give them the money because they are probably going to use the information anyways. It’s a lose lose situation for the company. The best thing you can do is hope the Police catch them or they are bluffing. Hope my information isn’t in there. :(

  2. Lois Shelton
    Posted December 3, 2008 at 1:40 pm | Permalink

    I don’t know paying off extortionist has worked for others in the past why not now? I know there is always an uncertainty when it comes to recovering the data but isn’t it worth the money to prevent the exposure. I’m not sure they are the ones that should make that call.

  3. me
    Posted December 22, 2008 at 11:39 am | Permalink

    don’t pay the money, they’ll just keep on asking for more.

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