Members of fraud syndicates understand that committing insurance fraud, such as creating false work comp claims, is far less dangerous than running guns and drugs or robbing banks. Often, insurance fraud can be just as, if not more, lucrative. They also know that our criminal justice system is overburdened and work comp board schedules are overwhelmed.
So, a new career path comes into mind for the professional fraudster, which involves the unlawful solicitation of employees to create work comp claims and colluding with medical and legal providers who render excessive services or billing for services not rendered at all.
If you had a chance to sit down with a member of an organized crime group who engages in such activities, this fraudster would warn you that you create fertile ground for their fraud schemes if you do the following:
- Create a non-inclusive environment
- Do not inspire an atmosphere of safety and anti-fraud
- Do not educate and inform your employees of what to do in case of an accident
- If you do not share facts related to work comp benefits
- If you ignore employees’ claims of a workplace accident or injury
- If you do not stay engaged with your employees after they’re injured
- If you have management who do not support a positive environment
Consult your fraud-fighting team at ICW Group for ways to educate your employees about fraud. If you suspect an employee has been solicited and is involved in a fraud scheme, here are some immediate actions you can take.
