Final answer:
True, medical identity theft is frequently perpetrated by strangers using the internet, exploiting the increased personal information we share online and capitalizing on large-scale data breaches.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or False: Medical identity theft is often perpetrated by strangers via the internet. This statement is generally true. As we conduct more activities online, such as banking, shopping, and social networking, we inadvertently increase our exposure to potential identity theft, which can be executed by strangers from anywhere with internet access. Identity theft occurs when someone unlawfully acquires and uses another person's personal information, like a social security number or credit information, without authorization.
Significant life events, like looking for a job, make individuals particularly vulnerable to identity theft. Plus, large-scale data breaches in big organizations, such as retailers or financial institutions, have exposed millions to the risks of identity theft. It's important to note that while the internet is a common tool for identity thieves, medical identity theft can also be perpetrated through other means, such as physical theft of documents or insider threats.