What are the real consequences of benefits fraud?
Getting caught committing benefits fraud means you just have to pay the money back, right? In reality, the consequences could be far more serious.
YOU COULD LOSE YOUR BENEFITS
Your insurance provider could increase your premiums or your employer could reduce coverage. In addition to having to pay the money back, you could lose your benefits completely.
YOU COULD LOSE YOUR JOB
Stealing from your employer is a serious offence, and many employers have a zero-tolerance policy for benefits fraud. Being fired for benefits fraud could make it hard to get another job.
YOU COULD GO TO JAIL
A fraud conviction results in a permanent criminal record. Even if you avoid jail, having a criminal record could make it very difficult for you to get a job or travel... potentially for the rest of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If you are convicted of benefits fraud, you will have a criminal record.
Although benefits abuse is not a crime, the impacts on the sustainability of your benefits plan are the same as if you were to commit benefits fraud. The result of both is the increase of utilization which could potentially result in increased premiums or reduced coverages.
Yes. Benefits fraud is stealing from your employer. It’s a serious crime that may cost you your job.
Benefits fraud and abuse affects us all. You might think that by committing benefits fraud you’re stealing from your insurance provider, but in fact, you are stealing from your employer and your coworkers.