Fraud within compensation schemes undermines trust, increases costs, and places unnecessary strain on employers, insurers, and genuine claimants. Recent enforcement actions highlight a zero tolerance approach, with a fraudster ordered to repay compensation. This case reinforces the importance of compliance, accountability, and vigilance in workplace law.
WorkSafe Victoria’s Roger Arnold said fraud is rare in the compensation scheme, but some still try to cheat the system.
A Melbourne forklift operator, Rafi Rafiuzzaman, has been ordered to repay $48,367 after pleading guilty to fraudulently claiming workers' compensation. Though he claimed a forklift injury in April 2020, he still worked as a food delivery driver that same day. A WorkSafe investigation revealed he falsely declared unemployment while receiving benefits. Rafiuzzaman performed over 230 deliveries, and WorkSafe cancelled the man’s claim in August 2021.
He earned over $21,000 from undeclared work and received a 12-month community corrections order with repayment and 120 hours of unpaid work. WorkSafe’s Roger Arnold said the regulator continues cracking down on false claims to protect the integrity of the scheme.
If you have workers compensation claims you are concerned about, contact our team to discuss possible strategies and approaches. Alternatively, please refer to the articles below for further information.
References
Source: Insurance News
Title: after false claim
Read Time: 5 minutes
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