Medical identity theft has affected more than 250,000 people in the last 15 years, according to a new study by the World Privacy Forum, a San Diego-based non-profit dedicating to exploring issues relating to technology and privacy.

Medical ID theft happens when someone pretends to be you and gets medical treatment (like a face-lift) or when someone files to collect insurer reimbursements that would be owed to you.

The World Privacy Forum has written a guide with a detailed FAQ on medical identity theft and what you can do to protect yourself. Fid it online here: www.worldprivacyforum.org.

July 21, 2006