TAC hits back on frauds

VICTORIANS are using bogus injury claims to rip hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Transport Accident Commission.

The TAC has revealed it detected more than $700,000 in allegedly fraudulent claims last financial year.

The commission was able to claw back more than $220,000 in restitution orders awarded by Victorian courts.

A further six cases, where the TAC alleges the fraud totals $339,117, are pending.

Its annual report showed it also issued 74 warning letters relating to “fraud or providing false information”.

Another $101,000 in incorrect payments was recouped from health practitioners and service providers.

TAC chief financial officer Tony Dudley said the commission “pursed vigorously” anyone who was suspected of fraudulently claiming benefits.

Its investigations team tracks paper trails and uses “extensive data mining”, analytics and audits.

It also uses video surveillance to nab offenders in a quarter of all prosecutions.

“Attempting to defraud the TAC by claiming benefits improperly is a serious matter — and we take it seriously,” Mr Dudley said.

“TAC money is meant to get people back on track after a transport-related injury.

“The community expects that the TAC’s funds are spent appropriately. Given the potential losses to fraud, the need for deterrence is high.”

A man was in August slapped with a $1000 fine and ordered to pay $13,500 in restitution after he was caught running an eBay business while claiming TAC benefits.

Another had to repay close to $55,000 and was sentenced to three-months’ jail, suspended, for fraudulently gaining benefits.

“The TAC recognises that most people do the right thing but outlier behaviour does exist,” Mr Dudley said.