In Connecticut, Workers' Compensation fraud is a crime. If the benefits obtained through fraud exceed $2,000, the offense is a Class B felony punishable by up to twenty years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines.

The Workers' Compensation Fraud Control Unit also may prosecute individuals for insurance fraud, larceny, theft of government services and perjury. Arrests may include any number of applicable charges.

Those arrested for Workers' Compensation fraud are not just people who collect benefits they are not entitled to receive. Other examples of fraud include physicians who submit bills for patients who were never examined or for treatments that were never provided. Other examples include regularly billing for more time than was actually spent with a patient, duplicate billing and/or receiving payment from more than one insurance carrier for the same treatment -- and not making restitution.

The Workers' Compensation Fraud Control Unit has jurisdiction over fraud that occurs anywhere within the State of Connecticut. However, individuals need not be in the state when an arrest is made.

Some people, including those who commit fraud, do not consider these activities criminal. A not-uncommon response might be: "What if I just pay the money back?" Fraud is, in fact, a crime, and those who commit it should know that they could face jail time and fines for their actions.

If you suspect Workers' Compensation fraud, you can contact the Workers' Compensation Fraud Control Unit. You should provide as much information as possible, including the name of the suspect and the nature of the fraudulent activity and when it occurred. All supporting documentation should be provided.

We accept anonymous telephone calls. Information received anonymously is forwarded to the appropriate insurance carrier for further analysis and investigation.

We do not offer rewards, nor do we offer a percentage of savings from any fraud that is documented. It also should be noted that we do not serve as a conduit for extortion. Those who threaten criminal prosecution unless a claimant reduces or withdraws a claim for Workers' Compensation benefits might be subject to criminal prosecution themselves.