Preventing medical ID theft has become a hot topic as Americans increasingly hear about the safety of their private medical records as more medical breeches continue to be discovered. Medical ID theft happens when a person uses someone 's identity to obtain medical services or steal money by falsifying claims for medical services. Identity thieves use a person 's Social Security number, insurance information, or other forms of identification to commit the medical ID theft.
Medical ID theft can have a devastating effect on victims, causing collections issues, credit problems, and even bankruptcy. But that 's not all. The type of medical treatment obtained by the identity thief can also prevent the victim from getting medical insurance or medical services themselves because, as far as the insurance
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Preventing Medical ID Theft: The Unemployed and Uninsured
Due to their difficult circumstances, some groups are at a higher risk for becoming identity thieves. The unemployed and uninsured may use another person 's identity because of a belief that it 's the only way they can receive quality medical care. Since they 're unemployed, they don 't have access to an employer 's healthcare benefits, and they can 't afford to buy medical insurance because they don 't have a job. It 's a vicious cycle, and it can make good people do bad things.
Preventing Medical ID Theft: Illegal Immigration
Illegal immigration also poses a serious threat as medical ID theft continues to rise. When an illegal immigrant steals private information such as an individual 's Social Security number, he or she can obtain identification and numerous services reserved for legal residents. If precautions aren 't taken to prevent medical ID theft, an illegal immigrant can get a passport, driver 's license, bank account, credit card, loan, mortgage, insurance, medical treatment, and many other services.
Preventing Medical ID Theft in Five Steps
Begin preventing medical ID theft by following these