what kind of lawyer do you obtain for medical identity theft

What is medical identity theft and how can you prevent it?

Jan 20, 2011 · Although identity theft is usually associated with financial transactions, it also happens in the context of medical care. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), medical identity theft occurs when someone uses another person’s name or insurance information to get medical treatment, prescription drugs or surgery. It also happens when …

What does an identity theft lawyer do?

Apr 26, 2020 · If you find that you have already been the victim of medical identity theft, you need to take steps to handle the situation. The first thing to do is contact your medical provider. if there is nothing they can do to resolve your problem, you should contact your health insurance provider (which may be Medicare).

What to do if you are a victim of medical fraud?

Apr 03, 2015 · Identity theft lawyers are dedicated legal professionals who are well-versed in consumer protection and identity theft law. These attorneys will explain the legal process, elucidate your rights and expedite a claim to recover punitive damages that arose because of the theft. Although an identity theft lawyer can provide an assortment of benefits, choosing the …

What should I do if my healthcare provider steals my identity?

Aug 14, 2015 · Medical identity theft (using another’s identity to obtain medical care or drugs) Identity theft may be used to facilitate or fund other crimes including illegal immigration, terrorism, and espionage. There are cases of identity cloning to attack payment systems, including online credit card processing and medical insurance.

How do you recover from medical identity theft?

Create a personal recovery plan A thief that uses your personal information to see a doctor, get prescription drugs, buy medical devices, submit claims with your insurance provider, or get other medical care may also use it in other situations. Go to IdentityTheft.gov to create a personal recovery plan.

What are the consequences of medical identity theft?

Medical identity theft and medical insurance fraud result in patient misidentification and lead to serious repercussions such as: Overlaid medical records and medical errors. Incorrect wristband placement. Denied medical claims and revenue loss.

What are the 3 steps you should take if you're a victim of ID theft?

What to do if your identity is stolenContact the companies and banks where you know identity fraud occurred. ... Contact the credit reporting agencies and place fraud alerts. ... Ask for copies of your credit reports. ... Place a security freeze on your credit report.More items...

Is medical identity theft is the same as Hipaa?

Medical Identity Theft is a National Crisis Protected health information (PHI) is the bedrock of HIPAA privacy but is widely misunderstood, causing organizations to violate HIPAA without knowing it. Most people think PHI includes a diagnosis or some kind of medical information – NOT true.Oct 1, 2019

What are 2 possible actions you can take to prevent having your identity stolen?

How to Prevent Identity TheftFreeze your credit. ... Collect mail daily. ... Review credit card and bank statements regularly. ... Shred documents containing personal information before disposing of them. ... Create different passwords for your accounts. ... Review credit reports annually. ... Install antivirus software.More items...•Dec 16, 2021

What is medical identity theft description?

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), medical identity theft occurs when someone uses another person's name or insurance information to get medical treatment, prescription drugs or surgery.

How do I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?

If you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490. You can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).Nov 19, 2019

How do you check if your identity has been stolen?

9 warning signs your identity has been stolenYou're alerted to a credit card charge you didn't make. ... Your loan or credit card application was denied. ... There's a change to your credit score. ... There's a new account you didn't open under your name. ... Your information was part of a data breach.More items...•Dec 22, 2021

How do I know if someone has used my identity for unemployment?

To find out if someone has fraudulently filed for unemployment in your name, you can go to the Employee Security Department website, and go through the initial registration steps as if you plan to file for unemployment.

Is medical identity theft the fastest growing form of identity theft?

More than 1.8 million Americans were victims of medical identity theft in 2013, a crime that is increasing at an annual rate of 32%, making it the fastest growing type of identity theft, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center in San Diego.

How common is 2020 identity?

The FTC also reports a 73% year-over-year increase in identity thefts from 2019 to 2020. There were nearly 1.4 million reported ID theft incidents in 2020, versus 650,000+ in 2019.Jan 21, 2022

What is the role of the HIM professional after medical identity theft has been discovered?

As patient advocates, HIM professionals can and should educate patients about the importance of protecting their medical identity in the same way in which they protect their financial identity.

What are Some Common Ways to Your Identity is Stolen?

Much of the medical identity theft that takes place is committed by healthcare employees. Employees in healthcare facilities have easy access to patients’ medical records and other identifying information. The employees may use the information for themselves, or they may resell it for someone else to use fraudulently.

How Can You Determine Whether You Are a Victim of Identity Theft?

There are a few things you can do when trying to figure out if you have been the victim of medical identity theft. You may notice that your medical bills reflect charges that you did not incur yourself. You may receive calls from collections companies regarding medical bills for services you did not receive.

How Can You Reduce Your Risk of Medical Identity Theft?

As mentioned in the previous section, unusual charges or notices regarding your medical costs/debts can be clues that you have been the victim of medical identity theft. However, it is good to be proactive and try to prevent theft from every occurring, if it has not so far.

What If You are a Victim of Identity Theft?

If you find that you have already been the victim of medical identity theft, you need to take steps to handle the situation. The first thing to do is contact your medical provider. if there is nothing they can do to resolve your problem, you should contact your health insurance provider (which may be Medicare).

Should I Consult an Attorney If I am a Victim of Identity Theft?

Sadly, if you are a victim of identity theft from an unknown identity thief, then there is little you can do but file a report with the FTC and contact your bank, credit card companies, etc. If you know who stole your identity, then you can file a report with your local police department.

How to protect yourself from identity theft?

However, three basic actions are appropriate in almost every case. Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus. Tell them that you’re an identity theft victim.

What to do if police can't catch identity theft?

Even if the police can’t catch the identity thief in your case, having a copy of the police report can help you when dealing with creditors. Contact an experienced attorney to represent your interests until your money has been recovered, your credit has been restored, and you have your identity back.

What are the consequences of identity theft?

Consequences of Identity Theft. Thieves can steal your name, address, bank or credit card number, and Social Security number to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft victims can have their credit ruined, their bank accounts drained and their retirement benefits stolen.

What to do if your credit card has been tampered with?

Contact the creditors for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Creditors can include credit card companies, phone companies and other utilities, and banks and other lenders. Ask to speak with someone in the security or fraud department of each creditor, and follow up with a letter.

What is identity theft?

Identity theft is a form of fraud in which someone pretends to be someone else by assuming that person’s identity. Typically the goal is to access resources or obtain credit and other benefits in that person’s name. The victims of identity theft can be individual or organizations, and the consequences of identity theft can be far-reaching. Americans think nothing of writing their name, phone number or social security number on any form, but it’s an open invitation to an identity thief.

What to do when you are subjected to fraud?

When subjected to fraudulent activity, you don’t have to settle for being a victim. By hiring a fraud lawyer, you can take action and make the swindler pay for the damage done to you. If you have experienced mortgage fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft, or one of the many types of consumer fraud, seek counsel from fraud lawyers who specialize in fraud protection laws.

What to do if you have been harmed by a shady transaction?

Even if you cannot prove all of these elements, if you have been harmed by a shady transaction, it is advisable to consult with a fraud attorney, who can determine whether there might be some other cause of action. If it is not fraud, there may be some other laws that apply, making the case an actionable claim.

What is medical identity theft?

En español | Medical identity theft is when someone uses your personal information, especially a Medicare or health insurance number, to get treatment, prescriptions or medical devices, submit claims, or obtain benefits under your name.

How many cases of medical ID theft in 2020?

It’s a growing menace: Cases of medical ID theft reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rose from about 6,800 in 2017 to more than 45,500 in 2020. And it's a particularly insidious form of identity fraud, for a number of reasons: It can cost far more than purely financial identity theft. Federal law generally limits consumers’ liability ...

What does EOB mean on credit report?

Your credit report includes health care expenditures you don’t recognize. An explanation of benefits (EOB) from your insurer or a Medicare Summary Notice includes office visits you didn’t make or treatment you didn’t receive.

What happens if a scammer gets treatment in your name?

As the FTC notes, “If a scammer gets treatment in your name, that person’s health problems could become a part of your medical record. It could affect your ability to get medical care and insurance benefits, and could even affect decisions made by doctors treating you later on.”.

How often can I get a free credit report?

Do check your credit reports. Through April 20, 2022, you can get one free report per week from each of the three reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion).

Where to report Medicare fraud?

If the fraud is Medicare-related, report it to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General, online or at 800-447-8477. The FTC’s fact sheet on medical ID theft includes a checklist of steps for obtaining and correcting your medical records in case of fraud.

Can you give medical information over the phone?

Don’t provide medical or insurance information over the phone or in an email unless you initiated the communication and are certain of whom you’re dealing with. Don’t give medical or personal information in response to an unsolicited call or email from someone who claims to be from Medicare.

What is medical identity theft?

Medical identity theft is a rising threat in America, with millions of cases reported every year. It is a form of fraud that occurs when someone uses another person’s Social Security Number, date of birth, and other private information to obtain medical services or products.

How to protect yourself from identity theft?

The best way to protect yourself against medical identity theft is to get medical identity theft insurance. This insurance is designed to cover any fraudulent expenses someone incurs in your name. Though some medical insurance companies include this coverage, many do not, or require victims to meet very high standards to qualify.Other consumer identity protection systems are often not designed to monitor medical identity theft or might not notify you of medical expenses until it’s too late.

What happens if someone steals your ID?

Medical identity theft occurs when someone obtains your ID cards, Social Security number, or other private information about you. This can happen after your purse or wallet is stolen from your car, vehicle, or home. In some cases, thieves might even be able to pull private information from documents like medical bills.

What happens if you keep a copy of your medical insurance?

If you keep copies of your driver’s license, taxes, or medical insurance information on your computer, that information could also be compromised if a virus or other malware infects your computer.

How long does it take for a pharmacy to be discovered?

Some thieves go to great lengths to keep from being caught. If they use several different pharmacies or hospitals to get care, it can take months or years for the fraud to be discovered.

Who is Keith Morris?

Keith Morris is a 20+ year veteran of the security game , with the knowledge and experience to set you on the right track toward personal safety and security. His firm is committed to giving you the tools and know-how to combat any threat to your safety.

Is medical identity theft more difficult to identify?

Medical identity theft is even more difficult to identify and fix than credit card fraud or financial identity theft since many medical services are covered by insurance with only a small co-pay.

What is medical identity theft?

Medical identity theft is when someone uses your personal information — like your name, Social Security number, health insurance account number or Medicare number — to see a doctor, get prescription drugs, buy medical devices, submit claims with your insurance provider, or get other medical care. If the thief’s health information is mixed ...

How to protect medical information from scammers?

Protect your medical information from scammers online and on your phone. Do not give your medical information to someone who calls, emails, or texts you unexpectedly. It could be a scammer trying to steal your information. Instead, log in to your online medical account from a website you know is real. Or contact the company or provider using ...

What can a thief use your personal information for?

A thief that uses your personal information to see a doctor, get prescription drugs, buy medical devices, submit claims with your insurance provider, or get other medical care may also use it in other situations. Go to IdentityTheft.gov to create a personal recovery plan.

What to do if someone uses your medical information?

If you think someone is using your personal information to see a doctor, get prescription drugs, buy medical devices, submit claims with your insurance provider, or get other medical care, taking these steps will help you limit the damage.

How to get a copy of your medical records?

1. Get your medical records. Contact each doctor, clinic, hospital, pharmacy, laboratory, and health insurance company where the thief may have used your information. Explain the situation and ask for copies of these medical records. You may have to submit records request forms and pay fees to get copies of your records.

What to keep in a safe place?

Keep your medical records, health insurance records, and any other documents with medical information in a safe place. These may include. billing statements from your doctor or other medical provider. Explanation of Benefits statements from your health insurance company. An Explanation of Benefits statement tells you the doctor you visited, ...

What to do if you don't have a shredder?

If you don’t have a shredder, look for a local shred day. If it’s something that’s hard to shred — like a prescription bottle — use a marker to block out any medical and personal information . If you get statements with medical information in the mail, take your mail out of the mailbox as soon as you can.

What is medical identity theft?

Medical identity theft occurs when a fraudster uses your personal information to receive medical care or make claims to your health insurance provider. Often, all it takes is a health insurance number for a malicious actor to use your medical benefits. Medical identity theft might not seem like a huge deal, but it can have serious repercussions ...

How long do you have to report a medical identity theft?

However, they have 60 days after the discovery of the breach to disclose it, by which time damage may have already been done. 3. Check your credit report. Medical identity thieves can often get away with a lot before anyone catches on.

What is phishing email?

Phishing attacks may occur via email, text, or phone, and involve someone trying to trick you into giving up information. For example, an email might appear to be from a healthcare provider asking you to confirm some of your information. In reality, it’s a cybercriminal trying to get you to hand over your details for use in fraud.

What is healthcare fraud?

In many cases of healthcare fraud, the perpetrator uses their real information to defraud an insurer or a government healthcare program. Medical identity theft involves stolen information, and the person who the medical information really belongs to is typically unaware that the fraud is taking place.

What happens if someone steals your medical information?

Damages caused by medical identity theft. Here are some of the consequences of having someone use your information without your knowledge in healthcare fraud. Limited access to healthcare: If a thief maxes out your benefits, you could find yourself in an emergency situation with no access to healthcare coverage.

What happens if you have bad credit?

Bad credit: If a fraudster is using your information to receive expensive treatment that isn’t covered by your insurance provider, you could end up with huge medical bills in your name. These bills can go to collections agencies and your first knowledge of the situation could be correspondence from a creditor.

How many records were breached in 2015?

One of the biggest breaches in recent years was that of Anthem Blue Cross in 2015, in which around 80 million records were breached. As for more recent breaches, in June 2019, Quest Diagnostics confirmed that up to 12 million patients may have been affected by a breach at the American Medical Collection Agency (AMCA).

What to do if someone steals your medical information?

If you suspect that someone has stolen your medical information, the first thing you should do is contact a healthcare lawyer to find out what your options are. They'll have the experience and the knowledge to walk you through every step of the process, from putting a freeze on your credit to reclaiming your medical history.

Why do thieves use medical information?

Thieves might use your medical information to receive treatment because they don't have or can't afford their own insurance policies. While this may seem innocent enough, it's still a type of insurance fraud and could cause you to lose your health coverage, increase your premiums, or even ruin your credit history.#N#Warning signs of free treatment scams may include the following:

Is medical identity theft more common?

The third most common medical identity theft is becoming more common every year, so it's important to recognize the warning signs of each type of theft and know how to protect yourself.