VA-FBI Issue Joint Healthcare Fraud Alert Focusing on Threat of Medical Identity Theft

WASHINGTON (June 8, 2023) – The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General (VA OIG) and the FBI recently issued a joint Healthcare Fraud Alert to notify Veterans and their families of signs of healthcare fraud and measures to avoid being a victim.

The alert focuses on medical identity theft, which occurs when a victim’s personal information is stolen or used to receive medical care or submit fraudulent claims. These claims are submitted for payment from health insurers without the victim’s authorization.

The alert warns that medical identity theft can potentially be committed by any individual with access to personal information including family members, caregivers, healthcare providers or pharmacy staff, telemarketers, and fraudsters.

In addition, VA OIG has also launched a new Fraud Indicators Toolkit providing information on recent fraud and crime alerts, and offers possible key indicators of various types of fraud, including healthcare fraud.

The toolkit will be updated as new fraud schemes and signs arise, according to VA.

The new VA OIG-FBI Healthcare Fraud Alert offers a range of examples of when a Veteran or family member may be a victim of medical identity theft.

Examples include unexpected VA benefits or health insurance correspondence about appointments or benefits statements; unexpected bills or other paperwork for unknown services; or incorrect information within personal medical records.

The fraud alert also suggests protection measures you can take, such as securing all personal and health information; being aware of unsolicited “free” health services or compensation; and notifying VA if issued benefits cards are lost or stolen, and more.

For complete information, view the joint VA OIG-FBI Healthcare Fraud Alert.