Preventing Identity Theft

By Mary Rarick

Have you noticed that everywhere you go everyone seems to want a copy of your ID? OK, so I exaggerate, but doctor’s offices, dentists, dermatologists…it used to be that every year they asked for a copy of your insurance card. Now they want a copy of your ID as well.

A couple of weeks ago my son and I visited the dermatologist and I was asked to provide my ID so that it could be copied. I politely declined.

My Point:

Here’s my take: The smattering of local offices I frequent don’t need a copy of my ID; I’m more than happy to show it to the receptionist each time I visit the office.

Their Point:

They claim they’re trying to prevent insurance fraud. I’m just trying to prevent identity theft.

Conclusion:

After a lengthy discussion with her supervisor, the receptionist told me that if someone fraudulently represented herself to be me, I would be responsible for the charges the impostor incurred. I reminded her that she’d be asking said impostor for her ID, and when it was determined that she was not me, she wouldn’t be treated. Therefore I would incur no fraudulent charges. Thus ended our brief conversation.

What do you think?

How do you feel about offices taking copies of your ID? Am I overreacting?

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