Survey: Medical identify theft on the rise
Consumers are increasingly at risk of medical identity theft and could face serious medical and financial consequences, according to a recent Ponemon Institute survey.
The survey involved 788 adults who self-reported that they or close family members were victims of medical identity theft, which occurs when someone uses an individual’s name and personal identity to fraudulently receive medical services and prescription drugs and goods, and can include attempts to commit fraudulent billing.
The study found that in the U.S., medical identify theft affected 1.84 million individuals this year, compared to 1.53 million individuals during the past year. Among the findings:
- The number of medical identity theft victims grew 19 percent during the past year
- About 50 percent of medical identity theft victims are not aware that such a theft can create inaccuracies in their permanent medical records
- Medical identify theft victims lose trust and confidence in their providers following the breach of their private information
- Resolution of the crime is time-consuming; about 48 percent of respondents said the crime is still not resolved
- Individuals rarely check their medical records for errors
- Many cases are preventable; 30 percent said the crime occurred because they knowingly shared personal identification or medical credentials with someone they knew; 28 percent said a member of the family took their personal identity without consent.
A copy of the full report can be obtained by contacting the Medical Identity Fraud Alliance here.