If your NPI is taken, millions of dollars in illegal payments or hundreds of fake prescriptions may be credited to you before somebody is aware of what has occurred. Furthermore, if this happens, you may be subjected to a government inquiry to check you out as a culprit in a criminal investigation and/or ascertain if you are responsible for compensating the state for the crime.
During the inquiry, CMS is also likely to stop paying you. This can have a significant influence on your money, reputation, and, as a result, your profession. There are things you can do before that transpires to avert NPI theft and perhaps prevent massive pharmaceutical fraud.