I've really messed up.

Imessedup

I’m reaching out to seek advice. Recently, I became aware that I have submitted erroneous receipts for medical expenses, and I feel it is important to come forward and address this matter before it escalates further.

Over the past many months, I have been going through a challenging time. Following a period of bereavement, and nursing home fees for my late parent I have been struggling with mounting debts. Additionally, I was recently diagnosed with major depressive disorder, which has definitely clouded my judgment.

I accept full responsibility for the claims made and I understand the implications of my actions and want to make things right by repaying the provider in full.

I’m now at a crossroads and am contemplating whether I should hold my hands up and admit to what I’ve done, I really want to as I am sick to my stomach over it. My best friend is telling me to wait till I am approached.

I would appreciate any advice on how to approach this situation, what I should expect in terms of consequences, and any potential best steps forward.

JustJoe7240

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058393847/ive-really-messed-up

What are the chances that you'll get found out? I would be inclined to say its always best to frontrun this kind of stuff, but there is a good chance you'll be disciplined either way. Would you be in a position to pay back what you owe?

Imessedup

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123136542#Comment_123136542

Not immediately, but I could make a payment plan work.

NIMAN

Who did you submit receipts to?

Your employer?

Imessedup

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123136562#Comment_123136562

A health service provider.

Xterminator

hi op

there is a world of difference between accidental submitting an expense because you thought it would be covered but wasnt and fraud.

Recently, I became aware that I have submitted erroneous receipts for medical expenses & I accept full responsibility for the claims made and I understand the implications of my actions 

Those statements seem nuanced, and suggest you may have done this with at least some culpability. This is a throw away account yes? The advice might be better if one understands the scope of the fraud, and your level of accountability. also the severity of the penalties/sanctions you would face.

If you beleive you made an innocent mistake, or even wish it to appear you made an innocent mistake, then coming forward and making an admission before you are caught will stand you in good stead. It could be the difference between keeping your job, or not. it could if it ends up in court be the difference between a suspended sentance and a more serious sentence.

It is proabably what i would do - in your stead. But that is without knowing all the circumstances.

If its simply obvious its not an innocent mistake, and you dont have the brass neck to brazen it out then you have a decision to make. Hope it goes overlooked or be contrite and, confess & accept you were in the wrong and try to make amends.

your personal circumstances seem to be mitigating circumstances. You dont indicate if its just a matter of time before this comes to light, so its hard to judge the chances of you being caught 'with your hand in the cookie jar'. If you think it likely you will be outed, then you need to confess now, or come up with a strategy to escape sanction.

NIMAN

Where did you get the receipts from?

How were they erroneous?

dulpit

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123136567#Comment_123136567

As in health insurance? Is it that you submitted the same receipts multiple times? Or were they forged receipts? Or something else?

Imessedup

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123136581#Comment_123136581

Forged

Green Peter

Meet it head on and approach the company, have a plan to pay them back before you approach them, the fear of it being exposed and it hanging over you is nearly as bad as going to court and will weigh on you. It will be a relief and you'll have a chance to get your life back on track. If it does go to court which I doubt it will you'll be glad you brought it up first. Just my opinion.

NIMAN

Well if you were willing to forge documents to get money from a health insurance provider, I assume you have been paid out?

Who forged the documents for you? A physio?

How do you think you'll be found out?

How much money are we talking about?

the_amazing_raisin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123136585#Comment_123136585

Okay, so here's my advice based on that single word, go talk to a solicitor because it sounds like you need real legal advice

I suspect you'll have to inform the insurer about the incorrect receipts and pay back any money due. This is probably preferable to being taken through the courts

As regards your financial issues, I would highly recommend talking with a debt management agency to try and work out a solution

Finally, don't suffer in silence. There's a tendency among people with depression to not want to bother others with their problems and that somehow they must stoically endure their struggles

This is utter BS, your family and friends are there to help you as you would help them in turn. Obviously no-one wants to listen to constant complaining, but a calm and rational conversation about your situation and its effects (both on you and those around you) will help a lot

3DataModem

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058393847/ive-really-messed-up

If you get to them first, saying it was an error, it won’t be a problem.

magicbastarder

Something key here - your opening post states that you have 'become aware' you submitted erroneous receipts, which implies that you did not know they were forged. If that is the case, and you fess up, you'll need to provide details of who forged them to maintain your innocence.

You're not going to get useful advice here if it was you who forged them, and you explicitly say so.

Hannibal_Smith

OP, I have to close the thread, as we can't allow advice to flow on an issue regarding forgery and/or insurance fraud. I would suggest you either take legal advice or decide how to deal with it to give you peace of mind.

All the best with it.

HS