Fighting Fraud
If you suspect workers' compensation fraud, report it online or call Pinnacol’s fraud hotline at 303.361.4800 or 1.800.873.1888.
Workers' compensation fraud drives up costs for Pinnacol and you. Our special investigations unit (SIU) investigates injured workers, policyholders, and medical providers suspected of fraud. In 2009 alone, the SIU received more than 8,600 fraud referrals; the resulting investigations saved Pinnacol and our policyholders more than $22 million.
Workers’ compensation fraud can occur in any business, in any industry. Here are some "red flags" to look for:
- A new employee files a claim.
- An injured worker hires an attorney the day of the accident.
- The accident "story" changes often.
- There is a substantial delay from the time of accident to filing the claim.
- The claim coincides with a layoff or termination.
Also, if your business employs subcontractors, beware of false certificates of insurance stating that the subcontractor has workers' compensation coverage. The best way to obtain a valid certificate is to get it directly from the issuer — which could be Pinnacol or one of our affiliated insurance agents.
Check out our fraud seminars to help you learn to recognize and combat workers' compensation fraud.
