Faking or exaggerating injuries to collect wage loss benefits from an employer''s workers'' compensation policy is among the top four insurance fraud schemes, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
NICB estimates that insurance fraud costs Americans about $30 billion each year.
The company found many alleged "injured" employees "are often seen working on a second job or performing activities beyond what their claimed injury would permit.
The other top insurance frauds are homeowners claim fraud, auto repair fraud and faking bodily injuries following an auto accident.
"Some insurance crimes are elaborately planned involving organized fraud rings, including dishonest doctors and lawyers and unscrupulous auto repair shop operators," NICB said. "Others are simple attempts by your neighbors to get a little extra money on a claim. Either way, these people cost you money and in some cases jeopardize your safety. And we''re out to stop them."
by Virginia Sutcliffe