Internertional Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) Basic Officer Certification Practice Exam

Which is the most common source of identity theft from healthcare facilities?

1. Computer records

2. Unattended purses and wallets

3. Discarded paperwork

4. Hearing the information and copying it

The correct answer is: Unattended purses and wallets

The correct choice highlights the significance of physical items like purses and wallets as common sources of identity theft in healthcare facilities. This type of theft often occurs in environments where individuals are preoccupied with urgent matters related to their health or the health of others, which can lead to momentarily leaving personal items unattended. Thieves take advantage of such situations, as purses and wallets typically contain sensitive information, like personal identification and financial data. While electronic records, discarded paperwork, and verbal overhearing of personal information can certainly lead to identity theft, they are generally part of a more complex chain of vulnerabilities that often require intentional targeting or effort to exploit. Physical items, on the other hand, present an immediate opportunistic target in places like waiting rooms or during appointments, where individuals might inadvertently expose themselves to potential theft. Hence, this option correctly identifies a prevalent method through which identity theft incidents can occur in healthcare settings.