What To Know About Medical Identity Theft
Medical identity theft is on the rise, and if you're not careful, you could be the next victim. Here are a few things to know about medical identity theft so you can protect yourself.
How To Protect Your Medical Information From Theft
Medical information theft is a big problem in the United States. According to a study by the Ponemon Institute, more than 1.5 million patients have their medical information stolen each year. Thieves can get a lot of valuable information from medical records, including social security numbers, addresses, and insurance information. There are a few things you can do to protect your medical information from theft. First, be careful with who you share your information.
Only give out your information to people you trust. Don't just hand over your medical records to anyone who asks for them. Another thing you can do is keep your medical information secure. Make sure you keep your records in a safe place and don't leave them lying around. You also need to be careful about what you post on social media. Don't post anything that could give thieves access to your medical information.
Finally, be vigilant about any suspicious activity. If you think someone is trying to steal your medical information, report it to the police. Taking these precautions can help protect your medical information from theft.
Ways To Know If You're A Victim Of Medical Identity Theft
Today, more and more people are becoming victims of medical identity theft. According to a study conducted by the Ponemon Institute, roughly 1.5 million people in the United States have been affected by this type of theft. If you're not sure whether you're one of them, here are a few ways to tell. One of the first signs that you may have been a victim of medical identity theft is if you see charges on your bill for medical services you never received. This could include visits to the doctor, lab tests, or prescriptions that you never received.
Another sign is if you start receiving bills for services that you never authorized. This could include bills for medical equipment or services that you never received, or for care that was provided by someone other than your doctor.
If you're having difficulty getting medical care because someone else has already used your health insurance, this is another sign that you may have been a victim of medical identity theft.
If you're receiving calls from debt collectors about medical bills that you never incurred, this is another indication that something may be wrong. A reverse phone number lookup tool can help you figure out the caller's identity.
If you're ever in doubt, you can always check your credit report to see if there are any medical debts listed that you don't recognize.
If you think you may have been a victim of medical identity theft, it's important to take action right away. Contact the credit bureaus and the health insurance company to report the theft, and file a police report. You may also want to consult with a lawyer to see if you have any legal recourse.
How To Protect Yourself From Medical Identity Theft
Medical identity theft is on the rise, with attackers targeting everything from patient records to insurance information. If you're not careful, you could find yourself dealing with expensive medical bills and a ruined credit score. Here are a few tips on how to protect yourself from medical identity theft.
1. Keep your personal information safe. Only share your personal information with verified sources, and never give out your Social Security number or other identifying information unless necessary.
2. Check your credit report regularly. Make sure there are no unauthorized charges on your credit report and keep an eye on your credit score.
3. Be careful with your medical records. Keep your medical records locked up and shredded when you're done with them.
4. Stay vigilant. If you think you may have been a victim of medical identity theft, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider or the credit bureaus.
