Even Your Doctor Could Be a Scam Artist!
Not all scams involve suspicious emails, and not all fraud implies that an ex-employee’s trying to drain your wallet.
Sometimes, fraudsters can take the form of even the most trusted individuals in our society, who use their titles and reputation to leverage thousands, if not millions, of dollars from us, our insurers and our small businesses… Your doctor could be the perfect example.
Over the weekend, Dr. Farid Fata, a reputable American doctor, was found guilty of over 553 counts of fraud – but, “what could a doctor possibly do to commit fraud?” I hear you ask.
Dr. Fata purposefully misdiagnosed cancer patients, and went on to prescribe and administer a number of harmful treatments that many of his patients didn’t need; expensive treatments that would eventually cost them more than a few hundred dollars.
One patient, a previously healthy adult man, claimed that he was required to undergo intensive chemotherapy, prescribed by Dr. Fata, which led to all of his teeth falling out.
Another patient was diagnosed with lung cancer when, in fact, he was actually suffering from cancer in his kidneys.
Dr. Farid Fata pleaded guilty in September, last year, to healthcare fraud, conspiracy and money laundering and, as a result, is now due to serve at least 45 years in prison.
In all, Dr. Fata received over $17 million from his patients and third party insurance companies whilst carrying out the malicious scam.
In the same vein as fraud being more than just a dodgy email here and there, background checks aren’t just a means to be nosey.
Running a proper background check can save you time, money (a lot of money) and even your life.
Too many times and far too easily do we instil our trust in people, ignoring the possibility that they actually might not be who they say they are, or that their intentions might not be what they claim.
Precise Investigation can run a simple background check for you at a moment’s notice and, in so doing, give you the peace of mind that your next big decision is the right one.
Call us today on 1300 856 011 and see what our Professional Private Investigators can do for you.
We have operatives based across all of Australia, servicing Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Hobart, Brisbane and many other cities across the country, so we’re never far.
Thank you – Image credit: Adam Ciesielski
