I Found a Nasty Surprise When I Checked My Credit Report. I Thought I'd Defeated It, But It Keeps Coming Back.

"What you have on your hands is a case of health care fraud. One of the examples of health care fraud is when a company continuously pursues payment for medical services that were not provided. So while it may have started off as a case of "mistaken identity" and not fraud, it is legally considered fraud now. Do not pay the bill."

"I was able to get the bills removed, but now, every six or so months, they show up again with a new debt collector, and it always seems to happen right when credit scores matter, such as when we refinanced and again when we obtained another credit card. It's not a ton of bills, about $750, but it's getting annoying that I'm constantly getting on the phone and sending documents. My own research into the matter finds that it's likely the medical facility may have found my info by searching for someone with a similar name. I don't think it's fraud or identity theft."

Recurring billing for medical services not received constitutes health care fraud. Continuous pursuit of payment for services that were not provided legally qualifies as fraud even if it began as mistaken identity. Victims should not pay disputed bills. Begin by contacting the state department of health where the facility is located and ask for the office that handles unethical medical billing practices and fraudulent claims. Notify that office about the recurring collections. Simultaneously, dispute the accounts with debt collectors and credit bureaus, preserve all documentation and communications, and escalate complaints to state regulators and consumer protection agencies if necessary.

Read at Slate Magazine