Legalshield Independent Associate, Louise Bates

Legalshield Independent Associate, Louise Bates Your family can have access to legal and identity theft services, Learn more & enroll online at lrobeson.wearelegalshield.com

For a low monthly fee, you and your family can have access to legal services, no matter how traumatic or trivial the issue. Whatever your situation is, we are here to help. From real estate to divorce advice, identity theft and beyond, we have your rights covered. LegalShield is able to negotiate comprehensive legal services with dedicated law firms nationwide at a fraction of what they traditionally cost.

04/13/2020

Helpful resources for anyone who’s been financially impacted (or not) by the quarantine. Not a member, join at lrobeson.wearelegalshield.com

1) Here is the link to the $10,000 Loan (more like a grant as it doesn’t need to be paid back) from the Small Business Administration (SBA):

https://www.sba.gov/…/economic-injury-disaster-loan-emergen…

2) Anyone who has not filed their 2019 IRS return but wishes to hasten their stimulus checks (this is the $1200 + checks from the IRS):

https://www.irs.gov/coro…/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here

3) Self-Employed and/or gig workers (AirBnb, UBER, direct sales, Realtors, etc.) can qualify for unemployment in most states. This is taking a longer time due to it being a state-by-state Department Of Labor issue and has received exponentially more claims than usual. Doesn’t hurt for everyone to apply though:

https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/unemployment-insurance.

For advice and further guidance, please consult with your lawyers before making any serious financial decisions.

LegalShield has created a FREE legal resource with general questions and answers: bit.ly/Covid19LegalResource

There is help out there! Easy process to apply!
04/05/2020

There is help out there! Easy process to apply!

The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters.

04/03/2020

Do you get one of these emails every month? If not, let me help you protect your name and your credit!

IDShield IDT FULL PLAN
Hello Frances,
As a member of IDShield, you have protection 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
This is a summary of any activity from the past month of monitoring your identity. To view the details for an alert, please login to your account.
Monitoring Results:
Credit Monitoring
Scan Results: New alert(s) found.

Public Records Monitoring
Scan Results: No new alerts found.

Court Records Monitoring
Scan Results: No new alerts found.

Change of Address Monitoring
Scan Results: No new alerts found.

Internet Monitoring
Scan Results: New alert(s) found.

Social Media Monitoring
Scan Results: New alert(s) found.

High Risk Transaction Monitoring
Scan Results: No new alerts found.

Minor Monitoring
Scan Results: No new alerts found.

03/31/2020

With fraud & scams on the rise, is your identity protected? Check out the coverage ID Shield provides a family starting at $25.95.

IDSHIELD PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – FAMILY PLAN



COVERAGE:

The IDShield Family plan covers the primary member, the member’s spouse, and monitoring for up to 10 dependent children under the age of 18 for whom the member or member’s spouse is legal guardian.



NEW! AUTO-MONITORING:

IDShield’s auto-monitoring provides participants with monitoring services directly upon enrollment. Using the participant’s full or partial Social Security number (SSN), and date of birth, along with other participant-provided personally identifiable information, the participant’s identity is then automatically monitored.

The following information is required for participants to be enrolled in auto-monitoring:

Date of Birth
Full or partial SSN
First and Last Name
Address
The participant will need to create an account on the member portal, https://idshield.cloud/login, to update their demographics, input their full SSN (if not provided), and any additional PII they would like monitored. The participant will then be prompted to answer authentication questions. Once the participant has successfully completed the authentication, they can view the details of alerts and download the IDShieldPlus mobile app.

The following services will be automatically turned on at the time of enrollment:

Credit Monitoring
Public Records Monitoring
Court Records Monitoring
S*x Offender List Monitoring
Address Change Monitoring
Payday Loan Monitoring
High Risk Application and Transaction Monitoring
Dark Web Internet Monitoring
MONITORING AND DETECTION SERVICES

COMPREHENSIVE DARK WEB INTERNET MONITORING:

IDShield’s comprehensive dark web internet monitoring provides extensive monitoring of the participant’s personally identifiable information (PII) using intelligent analytics across the dark web, a series of black market websites where criminals purchase personal information.

PII monitored includes:

New! Investment Account Number
New! Mother’s Maiden Name
New! Usernames
New! National Provider Identifier Number
Date of Birth
Full Name
Social Security Number
Driver’s License
Passport Number
Phone Numbers (up to 10)
Bank Account Numbers (up to 10)
Credit/Debit Card Numbers (up to 10)
Retail Card Numbers (up to 10)
Medical ID Numbers (up to 10)
We review thousands of websites and data points across the Dark Web to ensure participants’ information is not exposed. If participant information is found, the participant will receive an alert.

IDENTITY THREAT ALERTS:

If any PII is found through IDShield’s monitoring services, an identity threat alert is sent to the participant via email and through push notifications on the IDShieldPlus mobile app. The participant can review the alert with an investigator for further assistance. If no threats are found the participant will receive a monthly ‘no-activity’ notice via email.

CREDIT THREAT ALERTS:

If any changes or updates are found on the participant’s credit report, credit threat alerts are sent via email and through push notifications on the IDShieldPlus mobile app.

The participant can review the alert with an investigator for further assistance.



NEW! HARD CREDIT INQUIRY ALERTS:

Hard credit inquiry alerts continuously monitor a participant’s Transunion credit report for new hard inquiries. When an inquiry is made by the creditor a notification is triggered in real-time and the participant is sent an alert. The alert is triggered when a participant, or someone using their PII, completes an application that includes a credit check such as when applying for a loan, mortgage, or credit card. Events leading to a hard inquiry include apply for a bank/credit card, auto loan or lease, student loan, business loan, home equity loan or mortgage loan, installment loan, recreational merchandise loan, retail loan, utility query or rental query

The participant can then review the alert with an investigator who will review the inquiry further.

CONTINUOUS CREDIT MONITORING:

IDShield continuously monitors the participant’s Transunion credit report for the following:





Delinquent Status
Fraud or Victim Statement
New Inquires and Trades
Public Record/Trade Line
Bankruptcy/Other Major Derogatory
Card Over Limit
Participant Noted as Deceased
Liens and Judgments
Reported Lost or Stolen Card
New Address
Settlement
Missing Address
If discrepancies are found, the participant will receive an alert. As part of the restoration process, a credit report from the credit bureau will be provided if the participant’s identity is compromised.



MONTHLY CREDIT SCORE TRACKER:

The participant’s Transunion credit score is tracked monthly and automatically updated and displayed on the IDShieldPlus mobile app and member dashboard.

CREDIT FREEZE AND FRAUD ALERT ASSISTANCE:

An IDShield LPI will provide the participant assistance with placing a credit freeze and/or fraud alert on their credit reports in the event of a breach or other identity theft incident.

NEW! HIGH RISK APPLICATION AND TRANSACTION MONITORING:

IDShield monitors the largest proprietary database of new account application data to detect potentially fraudulent new accounts when an application is applied for. This allows fraud detection up to 90 days earlier than traditional credit monitoring services. Exclusive to IDShield is the ability to electronically send a message back to the issuing organization that the activity is not the participant. We monitor hundreds of billions of data points for applications such as:

Checking/Savings/Brokerage Accounts
Wireless and Utility Accounts
Auto and Home Loans, including Buy-here pay-here auto dealers
Credit Card Applications
Check Reorders
Retail Charge Accounts
Payday Loans
Rent-to-own Monitoring
Auto and Title Pawn
Enhanced Sub-Prime


NEW! PUBLIC RECORDS MONITORING:

IDShield now offers expanded public records monitoring of up to 34 different PII elements over 78 billion public records and growing, which in addition to criminal records, monitors professional and business licenses, pilot licenses, merchant vessels, registrations (DEA, vehicle, concealed weapons, and voter registration), residences, lease history, national property and deeds, Social Security Death Index, Social Security number verifiers, phones, aliases, criminal records, and more.

NEW! CREDENTIAL SCREENING:

IDShield Credential Screening is a service that monitors the internet, dark web and deep web for exposed credentials (a user name paired with a password). An identity theft alert is created if the member’s credentials are found together online. Members will receive an alert via a mobile push notification or an email. The member then logs into the app or their web-based account to view the details of the alert and can take follow up to change their passwords across all their accounts that use that exposed user name and password combination.



COURT RECORDS MONITORING:

IDShield searches online court records for up to 34 different PII elements. We search over 350 million criminal records including county courts, Department of Corrections (DOC), Administration of the Courts (AOC), local, state and federal data sources and other legal agencies.

PAYDAY LOAN MONITORING:

IDShield provides extensive non-credit loan monitoring for short-term payday or similar cash advance loans. Non-credit loan sources such as online, rent-to-own or payday lender storefronts are monitored for unauthorized activity.

NEW! TELECOM MONITORING:

IDShield monitors databases with more than 1.5 billion phone records for any new landline, wireless, or VOIP telecom accounts associated with a participant’s identity, giving the member assurance that their phone is not being redirected.

ADDRESS CHANGE MONITORING:

IDShield monitors the participant’s home address with the United States Postal Service and sends an alert if a change of address has been requested.

CHILD MONITORING:

IDShield Minor Identity Monitoring is part of an IDShield Family Plan. This service will alert the member if their child’s Social Security Number is associated with any new names, credit or addresses. IDShield will monitor up to 10 dependent children that are under the age of 18 for an activity involving their Social Security Number across all 50 states. Activity is not limited to but could include public records, court documents, credit, loans, and liens.

SOCIAL MEDIA MONITORING:

IDShield monitors popular social media platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram for information that may put the participants’ privacy at risk, such as home address, email address, date of birth and Social Security number. Additionally, IDShield alerts participants to reputational risks within their content feeds such as instances of vulgar, harmful, or threatening and/or s*xual language, drug and alcohol references and discriminatory language.

New! Participants can control the level of their alerts based on content and subjects including Geotargeting, language, etc.

NEW! S*X OFFENDER SEARCH:

Participants can now search for s*x offenders within an adjustable radius of their home address and receive alerts when new s*x offenders move in.

With s*x offender search participants can:

View s*x offender details, including a photo of the offender
Search using a radius of their address
Receive alerts when new s*x offenders move in


UNLIMITED CONSULTATION:

Participants have unlimited access to consultation with a LPI when they have questions about a recent data breach, an identity-related issue or any other concern, such as receiving a suspicious email or phone call, notification of a change on their credit report, or concerns about proactively protecting their personal information. A participant doesn’t have to be a victim of identity theft to take advantage of consultation services.

24/7 EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE:

In the event of an identity theft emergency, IDShield provides emergency access for participants to reach a licensed private investigator 24/7/365, ensuring they can get help right away.

NEW! $1 MILLION IDENTITY FRAUD REIMBURSEMENT:

The identity fraud reimbursement policy coverage provides reimbursement for expenses and legal costs incurred by the participant and or the participant’s spouse/eligible dependents. This policy covers expense reimbursement for the following events if a stolen identity event or unauthorized electronic funds transfer is reported:

Costs for refiling, notarization, credit reports, public record changes, travel, elder/child care, expedition of credit/debit card replacement, or accountant fees.
Lost wages
Legal defense fees and expenses
Unauthorized electronic fund transfer reimbursement
DEDICATED U.S. LICENSED PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS:

IDShield has a team of U.S.-based, experienced LPIs. This license status allows them access to exclusive databases.

OUR INVESTIGATORS’ TOP-TIER CREDENTIALS INCLUDE:

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) certified
Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE)
Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist (CITRMS)
Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US)
If a participant has their identity stolen, one of our investigators will be directly assigned throughout the life of the case, creating a 1:1 relationship with the participant. The participant will have direct access -- via phone, email and our mobile app -- to their dedicated investigator throughout the identity restoration process.

FULL SERVICE RESTORATION:

IDShield provides participants with a top-notch internal team of U.S.-based, professionally-licensed private investigators who will work tirelessly on behalf of the covered members to fully restore their identity to pre-theft status- including pre-existing identity theft matters. No other company offers this high level of professional service. On top of fully comprehensive restoration and remediation, our experienced investigators provide one-on-one consultation and support to help prevent participants from becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft. Working with government agencies, financial institutions, credit bureaus, creditors, collection agencies and more, these investigators have the experience and credentials necessary to work on behalf of the participant and/or their eligible family members to restore their identity and to conduct fraud research that goes beyond what’s on the surface.

AS PART OF THE RESTORATION PROCESS, THE ASSIGNED LPI WILL:

Organize details of open identity theft issues and search for other instances of identity theft
Review with the participant their credit history and verify if fraud includes items such as:
Public records (liens, judgments, bankruptcies)
Credit accounts (new and/or derogatory)
Addresses
Prior employment
Explain the participant’s rights, process and responsibilities involved
File fraud alerts and disputes with reporting agencies and creditors as needed
Obtain a Limited Power of Attorney authorization, which allows the LPI to take actions on behalf of the participant. Authorized as a Limited Power of Attorney the assigned LPI can then:
Issue a fraud alert to the credit bureau
Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA)
Notify the Federal Trade commission (FTC)
Notify the U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
Work directly with financial institutions and credit card companies to resolve any disputes.
Throughout the restoration process, the licensed private investigator will provide step-by-step guidance and updates to ensure the participant’s identity will be restored to pre-theft status, and is continually monitored for future identity threats.



RESTORATION VERIFICATION:

Upon completion of the restoration, IDShield will complete a verification 120 days after a case is resolved to ensure the participant has not been targeted again. For the case to be fully closed, confirmation is needed from the participant and the assigned investigator. If a threat is uncovered at any point during this time, the restoration process will resume.



IN-DEPTH FRAUD INVESTIGATION:

IDShield combines information and databases with proprietary investigative methods to conduct fraud investigations. Our highly-credentialed, investigators can quickly identify signs of fraudulent activity, as well as its source, to help stop the spread of identity theft. This includes all types of identity fraud, including medical fraud.

EXCLUSIVE IDENTITY INSIGHTS AND TIPS:

IDShield provides participants with best practices for use and protection of their PII including insights and tips directly from our investigators.

SOCIAL SECURITY SKIP TRACE:

IDShield has the unique ability to uncover further fraud and potential identity theft by using a SSN Skip Trace method. Our investigators have access to specialized tools that allow them to conduct a quick, thorough search for further evidence of potential identity theft beyond what is found through an initial alert.

LOST/STOLEN WALLET SUPPORT:

Losing a wallet or purse containing sensitive information can be scary, but IDShield investigators are there to assist. They will provide guidance and work with the participant to review what may have been lost or stolen. The investigators will also use their access to special databases to provide a comprehensive investigation to determine if there was any misuse of the participant’s identity after the event. If any discrepancies are found the LPI will open a restoration case.



IDSHIELD MOBILE APP:

The IDShieldPlus mobile app makes it easy for participants to access their benefits. Participants simply login with the username and password they created for https://idshield.cloud/login to access this app.



Features include:

Push notifications for identity threat
Monthly credit score tracker
Ability to track and edit monitored
Direct access to IDShield information investigators
Review of restoration case status
24/7 emergency assistance and history
Review of LPI consultation history


This app is available both on android and apple devices and for iPhone users, Touch ID Support is available for applicable devices.



NEW! MEDICAL DATA REPORTS:

IDShield provides links to 3 sources of medical data reports (including MIB Consumer file) that a participant can pull to review for inaccurate or potentially fraudulent information. If there are any questions, they can call into IDShield for consultation.

SOLICITATION DEFENDER:

Fraudsters and identity thieves use many methods to obtain PII. Reducing mail and phone solicitations helps reduce the risk of thieves finding personal information such as a participant’s mailing address. Links are available on the web dashboard to remove PII from solicitation services.

Additionally, participants can call and speak directly with a LPI for advice and assistance to reduce unsolicited offers for credit cards and insurance and for assistance with removing fraudulent information from public records sources.

DATA BREACH NOTIfiCATIONS:

Information about large and high publicity data breaches is provided to participants on the member portal, https://idshield.cloud/login.

LIVE MEMBER SUPPORT:

IDShield’s Participant Services team is available for participant support from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT, Monday-Friday.

LegalShield
Member Services
Have questions? Call 800.654.7757
Selected plans

LegalShield Legal Plan
$24.95
Your Personal/Family Legal Plan Includes:

Unlimited Consulting
Speeding Ticket Assistance
Demand Letters & Phone Calls
24/7 Emergency Assistance
Unlimited Contract Review (Up to 15 pages each)
Will, Living Will & Power of Attorney
Uncontested Adoption Representation
Durable Power of Attorney
Trial Defense Services
Uncontested Divorce or Separation
Uncontested Name Change
IRS Audit Legal Services
Residential Loan Document Assistance
Collections, Warranties, and Guaranties
Get Protected Today...
IDShield Family
$25.95
Your IDShield Family Includes:

Coverage for you, your spouse/domestic partner and up to 10 minors
1-Bureau Credit Monitoring and Alerts
Unlimited Consulting
$1M Identity Theft Insurance
12 Month Credit Score Tracking History
Get Protected Today...
Total
$50.90

Per month

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Washington

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Choose Legal Plan
Personal Legal Plan
Access to advice and counsel on an unlimited amount of personal legal issues from attorneys with an average of 22 years experience. Details

$24.95
Starting Per month

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LegalShield Legal Plan
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Trial Defense Supplement ($9.95)
An additional 100 hours of trial defense, 75 hours of trial time and 25 hours of pre-trial time, each year of your membership. Details

Home Business Supplement ($9.95)
Coverage for wholly-owned business with only family member employees including advice, document review, letters and calls on your behalf, debt collection and audits. Details

Gun Owners Supplement - (Must be 18) ($12.95)
Coverage for member and spouse of gun related legal questions and representation. Details

Small Business Legal Plan
Consultation on unlimited matters concerning your business; with up to 1 hour of legal research per matter, including issues like patents, copyright, immigration, trademarks, document & contract review, and debt collection.
$39.00
Starting Per month

Commercial Driver Plan
$32.95
Starting Per month

Identity Theft Plan
Offering comprehensive identity theft monitoring and full service identity restoration services with $1M of identity theft insurance coverage.
$12.95
Starting Per month

Choose a plan

IDShield Individual ($12.95 per month)
Covers the individual member. Details

IDShield Three Bureau Individual ($17.95 per month)
Includes identity theft protection and monitoring across TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax for a 360 view of your credit profile and identity threats. Details

IDShield Family ($25.95 per month)
The IDShield Family plan covers the primary member, the member’s spouse, and monitoring for up to 10 dependent children. Details

IDShield Three Bureau Family ($32.95 per month)
Includes identity theft protection and monitoring for your family across TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax for a 360 view of your credit profile and identity threats. Details

10/18/2018

MEDICAL IDENTITY THEFT IS REAL
October 17, 2018
8 ways to protect yourself from a medical data breach
By Amanda Kooser, Komando.com

Living in a high-tech world where the minutia of our lives is digitized has a lot of consequences when it comes to our personal data. One of the most sensitive types of data is our medical information, which can range from insurance documents to personal data on medical care and conditions.

While the U.S. has enacted protections aimed at keeping patient data private, a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association gives us a sobering reminder that hacks can still happen.

The study identified reported data breaches involving 29.1 million patient records between 2010 and 2013.

Our medical data, just like our social networking or banking information, can be at risk, but there are steps we can take to protect ourselves, especially when it comes to the growing problem of medical identity theft.

Monitor your statements and records
Medical identity theft is a serious issue that happens when thieves steal your personal data and use it to see doctors, obtain prescriptions, or file claims. Keep an eye on your medical records and check your doctor and insurance statements for any unusual activity.

The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers to look out for bills for medical services you didn’t receive, calls from collectors about medical debt, or notices from your health plan about reaching your benefit limit. Carefully check statements and read through “explanation of benefits” mailings to make sure they match up with the time, place, and services you actually received.

To be even more proactive, you can request copies of your medical files or check your online records for accuracy. Contact your healthcare provider or insurance company if you suspect your identity may be compromised. You can also file an official police report or follow the instructions for reporting through the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov website.

Skip the social security number
You doctor’s office might request your social security number, but you aren’t obligated to share it. If you come across a form that asks for your SSN, you should be able to just leave that spot blank. This gives you an extra layer of protection in case of medical identity theft.

Even the American Medical Association is against the use of social security numbers, saying, "Our AMA policy is to discourage the use of Social Security numbers to identify insureds, patients, and physicians, except in those situations where the use of these numbers is required by law and/or regulation."

Medicare recipients were once required to use their SSNs, but a new initiative gives Medicare users cards that don’t display this sensitive information. The agency is currently in the process of issuing these new cards, so be on the lookout if you haven't received yours yet.

Guard your card
Your insurance card should only be shared when absolutely necessary, like when you’re checking in at your doctor’s office. If your card is lost or stolen, then contact your insurance provider for a replacement and ask about getting a new ID number issued.

Think before you post online
A lot of people turn to online forums or social media when they have medical questions, but think carefully before posting information online. Don’t post anything you don’t want to become a part of the public record. Identity thieves may also check your social media posts in order to gather more information on you.

Scrutinize health apps
Health apps are all the rage, whether you’re tracking your workouts or self-monitoring a medical condition. Before you start sharing information with an app, take the time to read the terms and conditions and privacy policy to understand how your data may be used. What data does it collect? Will your information be shared with others? Is your data stored online? If you have doubts about how the app will protect your privacy, then you may want to pass on using it.

Use a strong password
It’s incredibly convenient to be able to access your medical records or insurance information online, but that means you need to be extra careful in crafting a password to protect your vital data when you set up your account. Check out our guidelines for building a strong password.

Beware of email and phone scams
Medical identity theft can start in much the same way as regular identity theft: with a scammer reaching out over email or through phone calls or text messages that try to trick you into giving out your personal information. Follow our tips for protecting yourself against identity theft and don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or insurance provider directly if you’re not sure if a piece of communication is authentic.

Shred
It’s not just digital information we need to worry about. Sometimes healthcare processes can generate a pretty extensive paper trail. If you no longer need a document, like a copy of a bill, a report, a physician statement or an insurance form, then shred it rather than just tossing it into the recycling bin.

Your medical information should be guarded with the same care as your banking and other private data. One of your best protections is to keep yourself informed. Monitor your records and files and take sensible precautions with websites and apps.

09/27/2018

Interesting article on Medical Identity Theft!

Protect Yourself From a Medical Data Breach
Your most personal information—stored by hospitals, doctors, and insurance companies—is increasingly a target for hackers
By Lauren F. Friedman
September 25, 2018

A first aid sign with a fingerprint on it.
Theft of your personal medical information is on the rise, despite stringent privacy laws intended to safeguard it, according to a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

The breaches of electronic health records can include a vast array of personal information, including your Social Security number and medical history. The theft is just the latest example of how all private data is increasingly subject to breaches, where credit card numbers, account logins, and more end up in the wrong hands.

“Patients have an expectation of confidentiality, and breaches are a failure to meet that expectation,” says study author Thomas McCoy, M.D., director of research at the Center for Quantitative Health at Massachusetts General Hospital.

McCoy and his co-author analyzed breaches of health data that were reported to the Department of Health and Human Services between 2010 and 2017. (A law passed in 2009 requires companies to inform HHS and affected individuals of any such breaches affecting at least 500 people.)

They found that breaches rose steadily almost every year. Healthcare providers, such as hospitals, had fewer than 150 data breaches in 2010; in 2017, that number had risen to 250. And though breaches of health insurers have risen more slowly, the sheer amount of data compromised in those cases means that more than 110 million such records have been breached since 2010.

What's the Risk?
When hackers steal health data, they can commit all kinds of identity theft—not just medical fraud, explains Eva Velasquez, CEO of the nonprofit Identity Theft Resource Center.

MORE ON HEALTH PRIVACY
The Rise of Medical Identity Theft
Protect Yourself From a Hospital Data Breach
How to Keep Your Health Information Private
Should You Google Your Medical Symptoms?
“Think of all the things you yourself can do with your identity credentials. You can apply for loans, you can get medical care, you can apply for government benefits,” says Velasquez. “Our medical data is rich with the [information] a thief needs to do all of that.”

Of course, you can’t just opt out of medical care, and “it really shouldn’t fall on a patient in distress to protect herself from this,” says Justin Brookman, director of privacy and technology policy for Consumers Union, the advocacy division of Consumer Reports. “We can’t expect that burden to fall on consumers. Security laws are weak in this country, and need to be stronger.”

In the meantime, however, there are some things you can do to help protect your health data. “Don’t be the low-hanging fruit,” Velasquez says.

What You Can Do
Don’t overshare. “The instinct within medicine—as well as in other industries—is to collect everything and keep everything, without taking the time to assess risks and benefits,” cautions Brookman. If you’re not sure why your doctor needs a particular piece of information, just ask whether it’s really necessary. For example, many standard forms ask for a Social Security number, but it’s often fine to leave that field blank, Velasquez says; that's a piece of personal information you should guard with extreme care. And don’t overshare on social media either, she advises: “Think of your identity like a puzzle,” she says. The more pieces you offer up to a thief—about an impending surgery, for example—the easier it will be to impersonate you.
Know who you’re talking to. If you get a call or an email that claims to be coming from your insurer or your provider, don’t provide any personal information in response, Velasquez says. Instead, call your doctor directly or log in to your insurer’s patient portal, for example, to verify that the query is really coming from them.
Read the “explanation of benefits.” Your insurer routinely mails out these summaries of medical services rendered, with “This is not a bill” printed on top. But “take 30 seconds and scan the explanations and make sure it’s really for goods or services you received,” Velasquez advises. You should also take the time to briefly review everything mailed to you from doctors and your insurance company. If you spot anything suspicious, contact the provider or your insurance company; problems are easier to fix when they are spotted early.
Freeze your credit. “Unless you’re actively shopping for a mortgage, it’s better to have your credit frozen by default,” Brookman says. That prevents thieves (or anyone else) from opening a new line of credit, such as applying for a loan, in your name. Freezes are now free; here’s our step-by-step guide on how to use them.
Have a plan. If your medical information is stolen, first, it’s important to know what exactly was stolen. Having your Social Security number compromised is very different than having an account login compromised, Velasquez says, and the steps you need to take to address a breach will vary. That’s why you should consider seeking professional help if you’ve been informed of a breach or suspect one. Your home insurance, renters’ insurance, or employee benefits package may include identity protection services, Velasquez says, which can help you navigate what to do next in the event of a breach—see what’s available to you before you need it. The Federal Trade Commission can also generate a remediation plan for you and provide free assistance, as can the Identity Theft Resource Center.

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