Medical identity theft: bills for care you never got

The tell

An "explanation of benefits" for a visit you never made. A bill from a provider you have never seen. A pharmacy declining a prescription because it was "filled already." A collection notice for medical debt you do not recognize.

What to do

1. Call the provider and your insurer, say the claim is fraudulent, and ask for the records from the visit — you have a right to them.
2. Ask both to correct the record. A stranger's blood type or allergies in your file is a genuine safety problem, not just a billing one.
3. Report at identitytheft.gov and dispute any collection items citing that report.
4. Review a year of statements — this kind rarely happens once.

Prevention

Treat your insurance card like a credit card. Shred old EOBs. Never give policy numbers to callers — insurers already have them; that call is fishing.