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February 10, 2015

Beware ID theft at the doctor's office

  • Health care businesses can lag far behind banks and credit card companies in protecting sensitive information.
    • By TOM MURPHY and BRANDON BAILEY
    AP Business Writers

    Everyone worries about stolen credit cards or hacked bank accounts, but just visiting the doctor may put you at greater risk for identity fraud.

    Those medical forms you give the receptionist and send to your health insurer provide fertile ground for criminals looking to steal your identity, since health care businesses can lag far behind banks and credit card companies in protecting sensitive information. The names, birthdates and — most importantly — Social Security numbers detailed on those forms can help hackers open fake credit lines, file false tax returns and create fake medical records.


     
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