A Message from Gabe:

Greetings Rhode Islanders,

What You Need to Know About the RI Bridges Security Threat:
On December 13, Rhode Island announced that there was a security threat to the RIBridges system, which operates social services programs for our state. Specifically, RI Bridges operates:

• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
• Child Care Assistance Program
• Health coverage purchased through HealthSourceRI
• Rhode Island Works
• Long-Term Services and Supports
• General Public Assistance Program
• At HOME Cost Share, among others.

The State said that the RI Bridges system was taken offline as a precaution while they work to fix the problem.

What Happened?
The State has said that cybercriminals may have accessed the Rhode Islanders' personal information from the RIBridges system, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and banking details. You may be impacted if you have applied for or received benefits through RIBridges. The State is still assessing the full impact of the security threat.

How Do I Get Help?:
Rhode Islanders can visit cyberalert.ri.gov or call 833-918-6603 for information on the data breach and how to best protect their personal information. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The reference number for the data breach is B137035.

Please keep in mind that call center staff will not know if your specific data was involved in the hack at this time.

Can I Still Apply for Benefits?
Yes, but you must apply by paper application.

What Should I Do Next?
Take steps to protect your personal information:

• Monitor Your Accounts and Your Credit:
  Check your bank and credit accounts regularly to identify suspicious activity. To request a free credit report, click here.
  
  
• Consider a Credit Freeze or Fraud Alert:
  Contact major credit bureaus to freeze your credit and place a fraud alert on your accounts. For more information, click here.
  
  
• Use Multi-Factor Authentication:
  Add protective layers of security for your personal information.

• Watch Your Mail:
  The State will send letters to affected households by mail.

Sincerely,

Gabe Amo

Member of Congress

If you need help with personal casework: Contact the District office in Pawtucket: 1070 Main Street, Suite 300 Pawtucket, RI 02860 Phone: (401) 729-5600 Fax: (401) 729-5608

If you need help with legislative issues: Contact the Washington, D.C. office: 1119 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-4911 Fax: (202) 225-3290