Medical identity theft is crime with 'no recourse for recovery'

Medical office

"Medical identity theft is a growing and dangerous crime that leaves its victims with little to no recourse for recovery,” said Pam Dixon, World Privacy Forum founder and executive director  “Victims often experience financial repercussions and worse yet, they frequently discover erroneous information has been added to their personal medical files due to the thief's activities.”

While security officials are concerned about the potential of hackers and terrorists to invade military, government and banking networks, professionals are now voicing worries about medical identity theft, as it is already making inroads that are creating problems for individuals and organizations.

People steal medical identities in order to obtain prescription medications, and for related reasons, but doctors have also faked identities in order to receive reimbursements for people who are not their patients.