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Financial Medical Identity Theft
Examples of this type of fraud would include a hospital or a doctor billing you for medical services given to another person. The thief may or may not have a copy of your private insurance card.
- Contact the billing department of the medical facility or doctor requesting payment. If you are receiving this notice from a collection agency, then contact the collection agency first. Explain that this is a case of identity theft or mistaken identity. If the billing department is reluctant to help, then contact the attending doctor, or the medical facility's fraud or legal department.
- Ask what proof they have that this person is you. There is almost always a physical description of the patient. Does it match you? You might be able to show that your height, weight, skin color, age, blood type, or sex is not the same as the "patient."
- Ask when service was provided. You might be able to prove you were somewhere else during that period.
- What service was provided? If surgery was done or there is a condition diagnosed, you can show you don't have a scar or that condition.
- Ask if your Social Security number was used or just your name and address. If your SSN was used, you will need to follow the information in the Identity Theft Resource Center's Fact Sheet 100 Beginning Financial Identity Theft, and to check your credit reports. This thief may be affecting your credit status in other ways. They may be opening new lines of credit or leaving other collection actions behind.
- Ask if this person used your medical insurance card or number. If so, contact your insurance company and report the problem. Ask for a new number on the replacement card. They may also have a fraud department that tracks cases.
- File a police report in your city and state of residence. You are a victim of a crime. At your earliest opportunity, obtain a copy of the police report.
- Send copies of your affidavit of fraud, the police report, any other supporting documentation proving identity theft to the medical billing department and any additional collection agencies which may be involved. Please remember to mail this documentation certified, return receipt requested.
- Once the provider agrees this is a case of fraud or identity theft, get that agreement in writing and keep it in a safe place forever. This is called a Letter of Clearance.
For more information about Financial Medical Identity Theft go to the Identity Theft Resource Center
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