Prevent Identity Theft: How Medications and Health Data Can Put You at Risk

When you think about identity theft, the unauthorized use of your personal information for financial gain. Also known as personal fraud, it’s often linked to credit cards or bank accounts—but your medical records are just as valuable to criminals. Every prescription you fill, every lab result, every insurance claim creates a digital trail that thieves can exploit. Medical identity theft isn’t just about getting free drugs—it’s about using your name to get treatment, file fake insurance claims, or sell your health data on the dark web. And because healthcare systems still rely on outdated security, it’s easier than you think.

Think about how many times you’ve shared your birth date, Social Security number, or insurance ID just to pick up a pill. That’s all the info a scammer needs. A thief can use your identity to get a prescription for opioids, then sell them. Or they might get a fake medical alert bracelet engraved with your name and blood thinner info, then use it to access emergency care under your name. You could end up with a false medical record filled with treatments you never had—making future care dangerous. And once your health data is stolen, it’s nearly impossible to erase. Unlike a credit card number, your Social Security number and medical history don’t expire.

That’s why medical identity theft, a form of identity theft that targets personal health information. Also known as health fraud, it’s growing fast. It’s not just about big hospitals—pharmacies, telehealth apps, and even online drug retailers are targets. Scammers set up fake websites that look like Canada Drug Center to steal your login details. They call pretending to be your pharmacy, asking for your insurance card number to "verify" your refill. They hack into patient portals or bribe employees to access records. And because most people don’t check their medical statements, they don’t notice until they get a bill for a drug they never took—or a denial for treatment they never received.

You don’t need to be tech-savvy to protect yourself. Start by checking your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements every month. Look for services you didn’t get or prescriptions you didn’t fill. Ask your pharmacy to confirm every refill request with you directly—no exceptions. Use strong, unique passwords for your health portals. Never click links in texts claiming to be from your doctor or insurer. And if you’re buying medication online, make sure the site requires a real prescription and has a verifiable physical address. If it looks too good to be true, it’s probably a trap.

Some of the most dangerous scams involve prescription fraud, the illegal acquisition or distribution of controlled medications using stolen identities. Also known as doctor shopping, it’s a major gateway to broader identity theft. Thieves use stolen IDs to get multiple prescriptions from different doctors. They target high-value drugs like opioids, ADHD meds, or even insulin. Once they have those, they sell them or use them to create fake prescriptions for others. And if you’re the one whose identity was used, you could face criminal charges—or worse, be denied care because your record shows you’re addicted.

It’s not just about protecting your wallet. It’s about protecting your health. A single stolen identity can lead to wrong diagnoses, dangerous drug interactions, or missed treatments because your medical history is corrupted. That’s why you need to treat your health data like cash—guard it, track it, and question anyone who asks for it.

Below, you’ll find real stories and practical guides from people who’ve been caught in these scams—and how they fought back. From spotting fake online pharmacies to securing your medical records, these posts give you the tools to stop identity theft before it starts. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to be careful.