Social Media Often Used in Fraud Investigations
Social media can be used in a variety of ways, including sometimes nabbing individuals who are trying to gain the upper hand on the law.
According to information from the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC), such was the case recently, as a Cincinnati man was sentenced for being employed while receiving benefits for a prior workplace injury.
The investigation put together enough evidence to sentence Michael Gundling, along with returning more than $3,000 to BWC.
Video Proves Bad for Suspect
“Our fraud agents captured video of Mr. Gundling driving a dump truck to work sites for a trucking company,” stated BWC Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer. “Injured workers are not permitted to work while receiving these funds, as Mr. Gundling did. That money will now be used for its intended purpose: to care for injured workers who cannot work.”
BWC’s Special Investigations Department got an investigation going after receiving a tip that Gundling was working while receiving temporary total disability.
Investigators found that Gundling collected these funds while simultaneously working as a dump truck driver between March 5, 2012 and June 2, 2012. Gundling was caught on camera working and admitted to committing fraud when investigators approached him on the job site.
Gundling appeared in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and entered a plea of guilty to one misdemeanor count of workers comp fraud. He was given a suspended sentence of 60 days in jail as well as a $150 fine and court costs. The sentence was suspended on the condition that Gundling remain conviction-free for the next two years.
Gundling returned the $3,321.39 back to the BWC prior to the sentencing.
Author Michael B. Stack, CPA, Director of Operations, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in employer communication systems and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. He is a writer, speaker, and website publisher. www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com. Contact: mstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
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