Why Dental Charts are Especially Appealing to Identity Thieves

Over the years, the targets of identity thieves have changed. It used to be that social security numbers were prime areas for attack. However, dental and medical records have become more valuable commodities on the black market. In this clip, Pat Little, D.D.S., F.A.G.D., C.F.E., CEO, and Funder of Dental Risk Concepts and Prosperident, explains what accounts for this shift.

Interview Transcript (Modified for Readability)

“One of the biggest drivers that we’re seeing in the increase in identity theft is that in the old days, social security numbers is what people were after. If I could get your social security number, then I could open up a credit card in your name, or open up a loan. What identity thieves have found now is that the medical and dental records are much more valuable than social security numbers.

RELATED: More Advice from Pat Little

· How Patient Data Gets Stolen in Dental Practices

· Look for Embezzlement Red Flags in your Dental Practice

· What To Do If You Suspect Embezzlement In Your Dental Practice

On the black market right now, a medical chart or a dental chart is selling anywhere from three to 10 times more than a social security number. The reason is, in that medical chart is not only a social security number, but addresses, birthdays, everything that an identity thief needs is right there in that chart. But there’s also medical insurance information, dental insurance information. Now that opens up an entire world of insurance fraud. That’s one of our big issues there as well.”

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