Be Aware of Scam Phone Numbers Spoofing Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Member Customer Service Lines

BATON ROUGE – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana wants members to be aware of a scam several members have recently reported involving phone numbers spoofing the insurer’s member customer service lines. 

How the Scam Works: 

Scammers set up a number one digit off from the real Blue Cross member customer service lines. When members dial the number thinking they are reaching Blue Cross, they get a message about a special offer they need to “act now!” to take advantage of. Offers include buying $100 grocery or restaurant gift cards at a discount, or signing up for programs and services at a reduced price. The members are asked to enter their credit or debit card information for the offer while waiting on hold to speak with a customer service representative. This gives the scammers access to their financial information. 

How to Protect Yourself from Fraud and Scams: 

• Blue Cross will not make you special offers that you need to pay extra for when you call us. Your covered benefits, and any programs, services or plan extras you get as a member, will be clearly outlined in your health plan coverage information.  

• Don’t be pressured to act quickly. Offers for a very limited time that you have to pay for now or lose are a red flag. Take time to look into it and see if the offer is legit. Don’t let yourself feel rushed – scammers try to trick you before you can think it through. 

• Be suspicious whenever ANYONE asks you for money or for your personal, financial or health information. Be especially suspicious if it's unexpected, like getting an automated message about special deals for one day only when you call your health plan. 

• Dial carefully when trying to reach Blue Cross to make sure the number is correct. If in doubt, or if something feels off, hang up and dial again. If you have an agent you’ve worked with for your health plan, you can reach out to them and ask for help, too.

Blue Cross members who think they have been a victim of fraud or had an attempted scam can make reports to the insurer’s Fraud Hotline at 1-800-392-9249.  

You also report it at Tips.FBI.Gov or IC3.Gov or 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324). 

Connect with Blue Cross on social media @BCBSLA to see ongoing messages about fraud awareness and prevention. Blue Cross posts often on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is committed to our mission to improve the health and lives of Louisianians. Founded in New Orleans in 1934, we are a tax-paying nonprofit health insurer with offices in every major region to serve our customers. We were recognized for the past five years as an honoree of The Civic 50, named by Points of Light as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States. 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. We are a private mutual company, owned by our policyholders, with an independent Louisiana Board of Directors and no shareholders. We invite all Louisianians to visit our website at www.bcbsla.com or talk to us on social media @BCBSLA.