The NDIS, or the National Disability Insurance Scheme, goes a long way in helping people with disabilities lead a financially stable and empowering life. While it started on a small scale, today, the scheme supports over 649,000 participants across Australia. But sadly, with the scheme’s reach, related fraudulent activities have also significantly risen, targeting both participants and the scheme itself. To combat this issue, the Fraud Fusion Taskforce was created and, within its first year, investigated over 100 cases worth $1 billion in payments.
Some notable investigations of this task force were –
- Operation Pegasus: Investigated a crime syndicate in Western Sydney that had stolen more than $10 million worth of NDIS funds.
- Operation Ivory: An investigation which led to the recovery of $1.5 million.
What Does NDIS Fraud Consists Of?
- NDIS service provider in Melbourne submitting fake invoices for a service they never provided.
- Charging higher prices (overcharging) for the services funded by the NDIS.
- Impersonating NDIS providers, gaining access to your NDIS plan and making claims on your behalf.
- NDIS providers claiming they are registered when they aren’t.
- Providers putting funds to unauthorised use and submitting fake claims.
How Does Frauds Impact NDIS Participants?
- Fake claims can reduce the amount of funds available to you and prevent you from accessing the required support services.
- The participants can get involved in legal claims related to fund recovery, compromising their peace and well-being.
How to Protect Yourself Against Fraud?
As an NDIS participant or a primary caregiver, you can prevent such fraudulent activities to a great extent. All you need to do is be attentive to the everyday proceedings and remain in the loop at all times. Your active engagement in your/your loved ones’ NDIS plan might mean fewer opportunities for fraudsters.
Here are a few things to consider –
- You have availed of all the listed services.
- Each service's mentioned duration (both days and hours) is correct.
- The service charges correspond with the agreement.
- You have already paid for the mentioned services.
- Use the provider finder tool on the official NDIS website to find reliable and registered providers in your area.
- Ask the provider to show their NDIS certificate before you make your choice.
- Verify their ABN (Australian Business Number) to double-check their authenticity.
- Request references or find them yourself on their website.
- Connect with your local NDIS office and conduct a basic enquiry about the team you are considering.
As an NDIS participant, you should always be in control of your NDIS journey. If you are confused about any aspect of your plan, raise those queries without hesitation and proceed only once those are resolved. Always remember – it is your plan and your funds. So, be in control, cross-check your invoices, engage with a reliable NDIS provider in Melbourne and secure a seamless NDIS journey for yourself.
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud?
- Gather any evidence you could get a hold of. Consider what raised your suspicions first and secure proof of the same.
- Contact the NDIA and report the incident.
- NDIS Fraud Hotline: The NDIS Fraud Reporting and Scams Hotline is available at 1800 650 717 or fraudreporting@ndis.gov.au.
- You can report it to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission by calling 1800 035 544.
- You can submit an online complaint at the official NDIS website.
Do Your Bit!
Author Nexa Care
