Social Media and Workers' Compensation Fraud Investigation

Billions of keystrokes have discussed facebook and it's social media brethren and their effects on privacy.  Prior to the facebook phenomenon, people were hesitant to provide strangers their personal information.

With the advent of social media, the script has flipped.  now, many members on these sites provide personal data beyond the scope of most marketer's dreams.

However, one aspect which may be overlooked is how useful the information provided by these sites may be used to target fraud in workers' compensation cases.  Many of us have seen the videos of people shingling a roof while supposedly unable to work or helping a friend move while claiming to be unable to do their normal job due to a work injury.  These videos are the result of usually several days of surveillance by the BWC or an employer.

What usually caused these employees to get investigated in the first place? BWC usually receives a lead from either the employer or an anonymous tipster.  In addition, claimants receiving temporary total compensation may have their social security number run through the state employment database to see if an injured worker is working another job when claiming to be disabled.

Now, some claimants have become their own worse enemy.  with a facebook account and a name, a quick search by an investigator can bring up evidence which will be used against a claimant.  Pictures, employment status, recreational activities... all available in seconds.  Even if evidence of direct fraud may be lacking, an injured worker may hurt his or her credibility if they are claiming permanent impairment while participating in activities which conflict with that claim.

Remember, what personal data you put on the internet may be used for purposes you never agreed to.  If you want to keep your information to a limited number of friends and family, adjust your privacy settings accordingly.