Massachusetts AG Reminds of Importance of Fraud Detection By Employers

Recently addressing a group of 40 fraud directors from around the country, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley highlighted the importance of collaboration among law enforcement, employers, employees, and local fraud bureaus to prevent and prosecute cases of fraud across a variety of industries, according to a report from her office.

“The cost of corruption on businesses and taxpayers is significant,” AG Coakley said. “It undermines the level playing field for businesses, distorts the competitive marketplace, and costs taxpayers at a time when every dollar is crucial. It is in everyone’s interest – in both the public and private sector – to deter and prosecute cases of fraud, and we must all work together to do that effectively.” (WCxKit)

The Fraud Directors Conference, held in Chatham, was sponsored by the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts. The Attorney General discussed the types of cases prosecuted by her office ranging from public corruption and Medicaid fraud matters to workers compensation and auto insurance schemes.

She highlighted examples in which public and private cooperation proved key factors in deterring cases of fraud. For instance, when the state was confronted with an uptick of cases of auto insurance fraud schemes, a collaborative effort between the Massachusetts Insurance Fraud Bureau, District Attorneys, federal and state law enforcement, and private insurance companies worked to combat these crimes and build strong criminal cases.

Coakley’s office has made the investigation and prosecution of cases of fraud and corruption a priority. For instance, in the last fiscal year, the Attorney General’s Office recovered $69 million in Medicaid fraud. (WCxKit)

Recently, she reported the indictments against 10 people in connection with four Medicaid Fraud cases.