Medical identity theft takes place when someone receives medical attention or prescription drugs by posing as someone else. The benefits to the imposter are obvious, but the risks to the victim are higher than might be imagined.

For instance, imagine what would happen if Sue Smith was brought to the emergency room after a car wreck in which she’s received several injuries and has been bleeding heavily. Her medical records show she has Type A blood, so the doctors give her additional Type A blood.

What they don’t know is that a year before another woman used Sue Smith’s identity and insurance card to receive medical care at the hospital. The woman they’re currently treating—the real Sue Smith—has Type B blood, and could die because of the error.

Medical identity theft also carries financial risks. What if “the real Sue Smith” was billed $6,000 for a medical treatment her imposer received? Should she pay the bill? Or, should she refuse to pay and allow it to go to collections? Either way, she’s going to be damaged financially.

Identity theft is too rampant and too dangerous to ignore. Visit LifeLock.com to learn more about their comprehensive tools and strategies to help protect their members’ identities. Find out why nearly 1.5 million other Americans have chosen LifeLock. Enroll using the LifeLock promotional code Defense and receive a discount on service.