Customers subscribing to Walgreen Co.’s e-mail distribution list should be on the look-out for spam directing them to another site and then asking for personal data.
According to a company spokesman, Walgreens became aware of “unauthorized access” to its e-mail list, “about a week ago,” and began notifying subscribers this morning.
“Only email addresses were obtained,” the spokesman said. He said no other personal information such as prescriptions were accessible to the perpetrator. He declined to provide the number of e-mails accessed, or to name the source of the unauthorized access.
“We’re working with the appropriate authorities on it right now,” he said. “But we felt it was important to let our customers know that they may receive some spam.”
In the company’s e-mail to customers, Walgreens said, “We are sorry this has taken place and for any inconvenience to you.”
The company advised customers of “an increase in attacks on e-mail systems,” and advised caution,” when opening links or attachments from unsolicited third parties.”
The company also invited consumers with further questions to call (888) 980-0963.
Mediocre or non-existent computer security is why I don’t sign up for all those affinity marketing cards. I won’t give my birthdate, my address, or any other personal information to any organization unless I am COMPELLED by law to do so. I may not be able to save a few cents on a bar of soap, but I get to keep my identity and my sanity.
It’s getting to the point that I won’t use my real name to make a restaurant reservation.
Like ‘Regular Guy’ ~ I don’t give out my personal information. In fact, today, I had a disagreement with the girl at my doctor’s office. The girl told me that I ‘had’ to give them a credit card number ‘just in case I don’t pay my bill(s). I told her I wasn’t giving anyone my credit card information to be put into a computer that can be accessed by the doctor’s office, hospital and Lord knows who else. She was not happy with my response and got the doctor – who told her that she should not ‘push’ for anyone’s credit information.
@ Regular Guy… I really like your idea of not using your real name for restaurant reservations. Must keep that in mind. Thanks!
This is why I deal with independent pharmacies. I wonder if Walgreens sells our information to marketing firms.
Every retail sales clerk\medical secretary upon check-in wants all your personal information and will tell you their computer system is completely safe –
then they wont service you or they have an attitude