Illinois Workers’ Compensation: Fraud Unit's Second Year Sees Increase in Referrals, Prosecutions
In it’s second year, The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Fraud Unit (WCFU) reported that the number of cases it investigated and referred to prosecutors doubled. According to the Illinois Division of Insurance, there was an increase of 168% over 2006- and referred 58 cases for prosecution, an increase of 346%. In 2007, the unit opened 102 investigations.
In 2007 the total fraud dollar amount increased by 949% in 2007 to $6,486,771. In 2006, the approximate total fraud dollar was $618,391. Employer based fraud increased from one to seven and with total fraud amounts increase to $4,333.405 up from $24,000.00
According to Jim Jordan, a spokesman for the Illinois Division of Insurance, the WCFU is required to present their findings to the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Board on Tuesday and to answer any questions the Board may have about the report.
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