DOVER, Del.– Delaware’s Department of Insurance is urging residents to be alert for medical identity theft after sharing a public advisory outlining how scammers steal personal information and use it to obtain medical services, equipment, or prescription drugs.
In a post on the department’s official Facebook page, officials explained that medical identity theft occurs when someone gains access to details such as a person’s name, address, Medicare number, Social Security number, or driver’s license information. According to the department, fraudsters can use stolen information to receive medical treatment, submit false insurance claims, or purchase medical devices at the victim’s expense. The agency advises residents to be cautious when sharing sensitive information, avoid giving out Medicare numbers in response to unsolicited contact, and store medical and personal data securely. Officials also encouraged residents to stay aware of common fraud schemes that target private information.
The department says warning signs of medical identity theft can include unfamiliar charges on Medicare statements, debt collectors contacting someone about bills they do not owe, and unrequested shipments of medical supplies such as braces or test kits. Insurance officials also noted that victims may find their Medicare or Medicare Advantage coverage limited due to claims filed under their identity for services they never received. The post directs anyone who has shared their Social Security number to report it to Social Security and follow recovery steps provided by the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.org and SSA.gov. Individuals who believe they may be experiencing medical identity theft can contact Senior Medicare Patrol at smpresource.org or seek one on one Medicare counseling through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at shiphelp.org.
Photo: Delaware Department of Insurance Facebook page.