When accountants monitoring Medicaid home care claims in Maryland noticed a sharp increase from $40 million to $280 million since 2006, it sent up a red flag. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) looked into the situation and discovered a well-organized network that had been receiving millions in fraudulent payments from the District of Columbia and Maryland. Healthcare fraud is one of the fastest-growing segments of white-collar crime and in response, federal and state agencies are devoting more resources to stopping these scams that cost taxpayers so much money.

The FBI arrested 25 people, including many who operated home care and nursing staff agencies in Maryland. Charges include the following:

  • Using false identities after losing a nursing license
  • Selling counterfeit home health aide certificates
  • Submitting claims for services that were not provided
  • Scheduling home care services for patients who did not need them
  • Offering kickbacks to participants who agreed to lie to doctors about symptoms

Criminal charges range from money laundering and Medicaid fraud to conspiracy to commit fraud and identity theft. If indicted, many of these people face felony charges, in addition to having their assets and property seized.

White collar crimes may not cause physical bodily harm or property damage, but they take a serious financial toll on individuals and institutions and are prosecuted accordingly. Therefore, do not misjudge the situation if you are arrested on white collar charges such as identity theft, credit card fraud or forgery. Consult with a Maryland criminal defense attorney about the best strategy for protecting your legal rights and resolving your case.