Epsilon warns consumers of phishing scams after breach

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DALLAS (RNN) - Internet users should be on the lookout for more phishing scams in their email after online marketing giant Epsilon reported hackers had stolen email addresses and names from its databases.

The fear is that the hackers will use this information to scam users by sending them official-looking emails asking for personal information, such as passwords and social security numbers.

"We apologize for the inconvenience that this matter has caused consumers and for the potential unsolicited emails that may occur as a result of this incident," company president Bryan J. Kennedy said in a statement.

Epsilon said in a Wednesday news release that 2 percent of its user data had been stolen in the March 30 security breach. The stolen information was limited to email addresses and names.

They said that no passwords or other personal information had been leaked.

"Since the discovery of the unauthorized entry, rigorous internal and external reviews continue to confirm that only email addresses and/or names were compromised," the statement said.

The company says it is working with federal authorities and outside forensics experts to investigate the matter and beef up security.

Epsilon is a mass e-mail marketer that serves more than 2,500 clients worldwide, including companies like Disney, Best Buy, Verizon, Kroger and Capital One.

According to the company's website, it is the world's largest "permission-based email marketing provider." More than 2,200 people work for Epsilon.

When you get an email offer from one of its clients, such as Domino's Pizza, that email comes from Epsilon.

The company says it is worried now about the potential loss of clients due to the incident.

"Specifically, the company's number one priority over the near and long-term will be to ensure that Epsilon's clients regain complete trust in the company's operations," the statement said.

It also apologized to anyone who may experience spam as a result, and warned people to use caution.

"The company urges all consumers to take appropriate precautions and be vigilant with regard to opening emails and/or accessing links sent by unknown sources."

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