Express Scripts clients being extorted, too

Earlier this month, Express Scripts broke the news that someone was demanding an undisclosed amount, claiming that if the pharmacy benefits management firm didn't pay up, they would release about 75 members' personal information. Express Scripts refused to honor the demand, though it did offer the 75 members named free credit protection services from Knoll, a New York-based risk-consulting firm.

Now, some of the pharmacy benefit manager's clients are also being threatened, in letters that are reportedly similar in style to the original demand. The extortionists have reportedly targeted a handful of the firm's clients, including government agencies, unions and employers.

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."

To learn more about the extortion efforts:
- read this Modern Healthcare piece [1] (reg. req.)
- read this CNET News piece [2]

Related Articles:
FTC cracks down on medical identity theft [3]
Medical identity theft information still scarce [4]
Hospitals likely to need help with identity theft fight, IRS rules [5]
FTC's identity theft rules get a new deadline [6]