CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – We’ve all seen and heard about identity theft but what about medical identity theft? That’s when someone steals your personal information to obtain medical care, buy drugs or submit fake billings to Medicare in your name.
According to a medical research group, the number of medical ID theft cases went up 22% last year, and 30% of victims didn’t even know a crime had occurred. That’s why one resident says it’s so important to always check your statements.
Adrienne Osborn of Springfield said, “You have to pay attention because if someone is using your information and you’re not checking your bank statement, your credit statement, you will fall prey.”
The research group found by the end of last year, more than 2.3 million people in the U.S. fell victim to medical ID theft.
