Last week, Express Scripts broke the news that someone was threatening to extort them for an undisclosed amount. The extortionist said that if Express Scripts didn't pay up, they would release members' personal information. Now some of the pharmacy benefit manager's clients are also being extorted, in letters that are reportedly similar in style to the original extortion letter.
Express Scripts has reported the letters to the FBI and has been working with them to attempt to discover who is responsible. The PBM is also offering a $1 million reward for "the person or persons who provide information resulting in the arrest and conviction of those responsible for these criminal acts."
In case there was any question that healthcare organizations needed to fight identity theft just like any other creditor, this case should provide an answer: a resounding yes.
To learn more about the extortion efforts:
- read this Modern Healthcare piece (reg. req.)