What Is Medical Identity Theft? According to the Office of Inspector General, it is when someone steals your personal information such as your name, Medicare, or Social Security number, to get medical care or drugs. Have you gone to the doctor’s office or medical facility and were asked to show ID? There are medical facilities that take new patients pictures. I like that idea and I have had my picture taken at a new medical facility. Picture ID are a great means to help prevent identity theft. This might not be a bad idea, in the event someone tried to steal your information.
According to the American Medical Association, 1.5 million Americans are victims of Medical ID Theft.
Some people become offended when they are required to show a picture ID in a store. Really, this is for your own protection. I sometimes have watched how people become offensive and upset. Remember you do not want to be a victim of identity theft. When in a store, I have no problem presenting a picture ID to the cashier. In addition, because I have worked at a bank, I know the importance of ID security. I have worked in highly secured areas, so I realize there is a reason for the security and it is important to utilize that security and not take it for granted.
When I first thought about identity theft, I thought of charge cards for luxurious items or large items. I never considered that people stole information for medical purposes or drugs. Then I thought about the fake claims that people submit for Medicare?
The Office of Inspector General states that it is a good idea to check Medical Bills and Summaries. There could be fraud and/or billing errors. How many of us do that? Do we just take for granted the information on the bill is correct?
I do recall once receiving a bill for a medical procedure that I know I did not have. Fortunately, the date they had on the bill, I knew I was at work all day. In addition, the person had the same name as mine, but different social security numbers. I did not hesitate to call the medical facility immediately to get this corrected.
I have really gotten into the habit of shredding information before just throwing it in the garbage.
According to the National Crime Prevention Council, there are those that will dig through garbage cans or communal dumpsters looking for cancelled checks, or pre approved credit card offers. How many pre-approved credit card offers do you get weekly? Do you just throw them in the garbage? Possibly, you might want to shred them first. Some unscrupulous person might steal the pre-approved card and fill it out with a different address.
Did you know that rather than signing your name on the back of your credit card, you could write, “See Photo ID?” About.Com states that this requirement can help in the event someone steals your card. Will you choose to become more vigilant? Protect yourself from Medical Identity Theft.
Source:
(Office of Inspector General) U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services
(American Medical Association News.com)
(National Crime Prevention Council)
About.com Internet/ Network Security
More from This Author:
Do You Know a Scam Artist?
What Does a Troublemaker Look Like?
Choices Today Can Affect Tomorrow