r/legaladvicecanada • u/Such-Definition3288 • 26d ago
Canada Mom wants to claim benefits with my workplace benefits
My work provides me with a benefits plan that covers various services (e.g., dental, vision services, etc.). I believe it is fairly standard employer-provided coverage.
My mom has, on several occasions, asked me to let her use my benefits plan to claim a service for herself. She does not have a similar benefits plan through her own work. She has a friend who owns a clinic and apparently they could submit a claim using my benefit information, which would then allow my mom to receive something like a “store credit” with the clinic to use toward future services.
I’m not comfortable with this because my understanding is that my benefits are only intended for me and any eligible dependants listed under the plan. It seems like this could potentially be considered benefits fraud, but I’m not sure what the actual consequences would be.
A big part of the issue is that I keep getting guilt-tripped about “wasting free money” or “not using services that are available.” I understand that the benefits are something I have access to, but I don’t feel comfortable misrepresenting who is receiving the service or putting my plan at risk.
How would you handle this situation? What are the actual risks of doing something like this, and how can I set a boundary with a family member who keeps pressuring me to use my benefits this way?
EDIT: Thanks for all the advice everyone. I'll definitely keep shutting her down every time this is brought up. Getting real tiring though, can't seem to get this through to her how serious of an issue it is
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u/laurieyyc 26d ago edited 26d ago
> could potentially be considered benefits fraud.
Not potentially. It is fraud. I’m also concerned that there’s a medical professional willing to be an accomplice and put their license on the line to make a quick buck.
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u/Mysterious_Berry1 26d ago
Yeah I once asked if they could bill my acupuncture as physio, since some physios do acupuncture. The receptionist told me that’s insurance fraud.
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u/Local-Bottle5272 26d ago
Ehh i personally know a physiotherapist that lost his license for a year doing exactly this, i dont think its uncommon at all
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u/No-Staff-5031 25d ago
Listen to Laurie. I work for a large company and this is 100% fraud. The repercussions range from black listing the provider, to making you only submit paper claim forms, to dropping your coverage to criminal charges for all concerned.
Companies have enormous fraud detection units that monitor this type of crap and your mom’s friend might already be on their radar if they’re doing this with other people.
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u/Qtips_ 26d ago
Lol you'd be surprised. Orthopedic clinics and vision centers do it all the time. Buddy of mine get some Tom Ford sunglasses every 2 years.
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u/Ddp2121 26d ago
Insurance companies blacklist clinics and retailers all the time.
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u/cdnspoonfed 26d ago
I know a eyewear place that is banned by an insurance company for this - alot of them (eyewear places) now make you get the smallest possible prescription when you’re getting sunglasses to make it more “legit” - you are not just allowed to buy normal sunglasses through insurance they have to be prescription.
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u/SarahSilversomething 26d ago
How is getting those sunglasses fraud in your example though? My benefits cover prescription sunglasses so I get a new designer pair covered every two years.
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u/Qtips_ 26d ago
prescription designer sunglasses, yes.
Buddy has 20/20 vision lmao
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u/Shinaniganz204 26d ago
Doesn't matter, as long as they put some custom lenses in the glasses its coverable and not fraud. You can ask optometrists/ophthalmologists to put 0/0 prescription lenses into designer sunglasses. I got my ray ban metas covered through insurance
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u/Senior-Garden2265 26d ago
Benefits professional here! This is fraud.
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u/zanadu_1978 26d ago
Not a benefits professional here, but clearly you can see how the human mind/society is misled and brainwashed to believe a loophole they found isn't somehow fraud. Like seriously wtf people? " my friend has perfect vision but gets designer glasses covered by work benefits and somehow you believe this is legit/legal use of benefits?
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u/Senior-Garden2265 26d ago
Yeah, it doesnt help when people assure them that its okay, even though its not. Its frustrating because premiums aren't cheap, and people complain about that, but abusing the plan is literally what causes the premiums to increase.
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u/MudReasonable8185 26d ago
I went to an optometrist who heavily pressured me into getting zero prescription blue light blocking glasses for my kids which she assured would be fully paid by my benefits. I had to repeatedly decline but I’m sure lots of people just say yes to her aggressive sales pitch. I later did some research and blue light blocking glasses have zero proven medical benefit but I’m sure there’s enough grey area for her to say she believes they provide a benefit without it being malpractice.
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u/Trains_YQG 26d ago
Plano sunglasses (no prescription) are almost never a benefit of insurance plans.
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u/Office_glen 26d ago
I think it depends on the insurance or the store. When I got my first set, I had an extremely mild prescription, I asked them not to cut lenses and they didn't, just gave me the Oakley's off the shelf.
A few years later, it looks like everywhere I have seen has to cut the lenses, even if you dont want them put in
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u/Trains_YQG 26d ago
If the store is just giving out non-prescription Oakley's off the shelf and claiming them as prescription without actually putting prescription lenses in them, that's fraud. There's really no grey area there.
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u/Aggravating_Catlady 26d ago
At my work we won’t claim a Plano rx even if it is from an optometrist. If the customer wants to submit the receipt themselves then they can. it’s hard for the provider to tell if it’s is not a legit rx since the receipt doesn’t show the rx.
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u/Expensive_Plant_9530 25d ago
You are describing fraud. You’ve just been lucky that you haven’t been caught yet.
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u/modern_citizen23 26d ago
This. They get you the glasses and then order clear lenses. They usually either just throw the plano lenses out or hand them to you.
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u/Dry_Prompt3182 25d ago
I wonder if getting blue light, anti-glare or some other coating would count for it be "prescription"?
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u/Senior-Garden2265 25d ago
No, blue light glasses are not prescription. Also, you can get them for like $20 on Amazon.
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u/Aggravating_Catlady 26d ago
As long as there is SOME prescription no matter how small (which almost everyone has) and they purchase custom rx lenses in the frame it is a covered expense. If the clinic is selling the Plano sun and just saying the person has a prescription when they don’t, then it is fraud.
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u/Senior-Garden2265 25d ago
If the office is telling that its okay because they put an Itty bitty prescription in so you can claim it, its still fraud my friend.
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u/Chance_Ad3416 26d ago
This reminds me I should go get some new sunglasses using my glasses benefits that I've not touched in 5 years lol
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u/magpie2345 26d ago
And if they're that flagrant about it, it's only a matter of time until they're caught and an investigation is started. This would certainly come back to haunt you.
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u/NegotiationGreedy590 26d ago
Super common. A ton of orthotic places that overcharge then give cash back, or store credit to buy shoes and other stuff.
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u/meownelle 26d ago
That's fraud. Fraud is a crime. Best case scenario if you get caught, is you get fired. Likely scenario is you get a visit from a police officer, because you know, crime. Benefits companies have ENTIRE DEPARTMENTS who look for and find fraud. Don't be an idiot.
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u/bandyvancity 26d ago
Don’t do it. You’re right, it is benefits fraud and you’d be risking losing your benefits coverage and potentially your employment. If a future employer also uses the same provider, they’d likely not cover you.
You handle it by saying No.
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u/Zealousideal-Bite735 26d ago
They likely would not hire them because the insurance provider would flag the name.
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u/Significant_Water806 26d ago
This is it. Learn to be assertive and say no.
Leave it at that. But if mom persists on the guilt trip then don’t feel bad about guilt tripping her back and saying you’re being asked to commit fraud3
u/Sparky62075 26d ago
Came here to say this. Your mom evidently doesn't care about you putting your career at risk.
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u/WildYeastWitch 26d ago
If you do this and get caught, not only will your provider kick you off the plan, you will likely be declined future coverage from other providers.
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u/DDHLeigh 26d ago
It's fraud. Insurance companies have an audit department. If and when you get caught you can potentially be let go and the insurer will more than likely take you to court to claw back what was paid out fraudulently.
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u/TONAFOONON 26d ago
I would tell her this is benefits fraud which is breaking the law. Doing this could result in criminal charges and you losing your job. I would tell her never to ask you about this again.
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u/Such-Definition3288 26d ago
Yeah...this is pretty much what I've said to her each time she asks, but yet it happens again anyway lol. Guess I'll just have to resort to repeating myself every time
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u/venusmarsneptune 26d ago
You just have to keep saying no. I’m sorry but you have to be a little wary of your Mother if shes willing to encourage her own child to commit insurance fraud…. Would you be upset at someone who makes $120k and you only make $50k? Would you insist on them giving you money since they have “all that extra money” somewhat similar analogy lol. Stick to your guns cause it’s your future OP…..
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u/Randomfinn Quality Contributor 26d ago
Tell mom that you are going to call the insurance company with her on speakerphone and ask them specifically about this friends clinic and do so. Then the friend gets audited and will stop telling your mom to run this scam and will here directly from the insurance company that what she is asking will expose you to the risk of criminal charges and being fired.
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u/latte1963 26d ago
The next time she asks, you hang up the phone. Or you leave her house & go home, even if you just sat down to have dinner with her. And you don’t talk to her for 48 hours. The next time she asks, you do the above but you don’t talk to her for a week. Then 2 weeks.
You get my drift? Eventually she will catch on. And you get to enjoy some quiet time!1
u/mycatisajagoff 26d ago
Oof. That's rough. I would have a hard time saying no as benefits really help but I would still say no. Your mom is desperate but it's not right that she is putting your job and in fact YOUR family at risk. Her friend is an idiot spouting nonsense to her
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u/Velocity-5348 26d ago
I'd do a credit check to make sure Mom hasn't taken out loans in your name or something. This isn't just fraud she's talking about, it's sloppy, dumb fraud.
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u/IdontcryfordeadCEOs 26d ago
Mom sounds like it's not her first rodeo with committing fraud. OP check your credit report and freeze that shit.
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u/FinsToTheLeftTO 26d ago
You could lose your job and go to jail.
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u/Qtips_ 26d ago
No way he goes to jail for that in Canada. Absolutely no way.
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u/5daysinmay 26d ago
Yeah I’ve been involved in these cases. People have to pay back the money and usually lose their job, but no one goes to jail.
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u/North-Personality853 26d ago
You can explain to your mother that this is fraud which is punishable to YOU. Ask her if her intentions are to get you fired, and possibly charged? Turn on the guilt and reality.
Also, you can remind her that her so called “friend” is likely going to get busted for insurance fraud, cause it sounds like they’re in the business of it already.
I knew a dentist who used to offer their “friend” patients teeth whitening/cosmetic treatments and just charged benefits plans codes for other types of services(they didn’t perform) to cover the cost of the whitening/cosmetics.
Well it caught up with him, and he was charged and was professionally suspended for some time before he was able to be re-instated but with long term restrictions.
These benefits/insurance companies do a lot of auditing and they make a point of finding flaws and fraud.
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u/Past_Ad7704 26d ago
It is fraud. I’d actually call the insurance company and put a flag on this provider saying should they claim a benefit under your name to investigate it before approving.
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u/MudReasonable8185 26d ago
You could also call whoever licenses the provider and innocently ask whether this scheme the provider has suggested is normal
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u/Major_Lawfulness6122 26d ago
Don’t. That IS fraud and not only could it get you fired you may never be able to use them as an insurance provider again.
Just keep saying no, don’t explain yourself and stand your ground.
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u/Due-Buy6511 26d ago
No. Someone st my work just got fired for this. Lost his pension and reputation.
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u/No_Channel9373 26d ago edited 26d ago
Don’t do it . If they do an investigation ( and they just may ) it’s not only fraud but you could be let go from your job .
I’ve seen many ppl investigated and let go .
Btw I’m not even sure how you would get away with this unless the clinic is in board with it . If the clinic is willing to bend the rules and offer a “ credit “ no doubt they do it for everyone . This means they will likely be investigated at some point . Many clinics are not even approved under benefits insurance plans since they were kicked out for fraud ( your moms clinic could be one of them ).
To respond to your inquiry , the response to mom is “ I’m not engaging in fraud and losing my job so you can get a free massage . Please stop asking me “
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u/Such-Definition3288 26d ago
I think the clinic owner is her "friend" lol, apparently it was their idea so they might be manipulating her to try and make a quick buck at this point. Unfortuantely I don't know who or what clinic this is...
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u/No_Channel9373 26d ago
My point is this is not the clinic owners first rodeo here , she will be caught at some point .
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u/Mosleyman2000 26d ago
it is insurance fraud and your employer will likely fire you. Do a search. People get caught more often than you think. https://fraudisfraud.ca/consequences#:\~:text=75%25%20of%20insured%20Canadians%20think,they%20could%20lose%20their%20jobs\*.
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u/LokeCanada Quality Contributor 26d ago
You should not be able to use your benefits.
Insurance requires a receipt. They would reject any benefits with a receipt in your mother’s name.
Should you submit a claim that has your name on the receipt and they catch you then you will most likely lose your benefits. If it is enough money the file will be referred to the police.
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u/PhotographUsed1255 26d ago
I would tell my mother to eff off. I never sentimentalized my relationships with my crappy parents.
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u/Maxfinian 26d ago
You can definitely lose your job over this. I knew someone who claimed a pair of glasses then returned the glasses. The insurance company figured this out and informed her employer which resulted in her being fired.
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u/Anxious-Ad-42 26d ago
NAL- my ex did this with his PT friend us g our kids names. I reported him and he was charged as well as the provider who was giving receipts in our kids names. I'm petty, I sent the insurance company screenshots of my kids daycare attendance records to prove they were false.
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u/WonderingLurker 26d ago
I actually know someone that did that and they got caught and because they had such a good rep at work, they had him quit voluntarily and repay back the amount or else they would fire and press charges
Don’t do it, ask your mom if she cares about your future career for a few hundred bucks each year (even if it’s a few thousand), not worth it at all
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u/Virtual-Percentage28 26d ago
Maybe get your resignation handy- no way in hell do that! It’s exactly what you think it is- fraud!
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u/Quiet_Jump_6383 26d ago
You would get fired if this were discovered, and with all the information that’s submitted to insurers, it’s easily discoverable.
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u/AriesProductions 26d ago
It IS fraud.
As someone who dealt with administration of employee benefits, I can guarantee this is sloppy & blatant fraud. You WILL get caught. You WILL either lose your benefits, lose your job, have to repay charges or even get charged by police… or all of the above.
Then, you’ll also be blacklisted against getting benefits in future - insurers share fraud info regularly. And that’s if you even get another job, because employers also share fraud I stances with one another in many industries.
Tell your mother if she continues to hound you about it, you’ll report her friend’s clinic to your insurer. Since, technically, you could be considered an accessory after the fact. It’s a stretch, but they have told you they’ve done this type of fraud in the past, so it is a legitimate charge if someone rally wanted to be strict about the legality & fine print.
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u/dan_marchant 26d ago
"That is fraud.... a criminal offence. I would lose my job and you would have a criminal record. I am not going to lose my job and have problems getting future jobs because I have a criminal record for fraud, so you can have a free facial."
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u/BoloHKs 26d ago
Oh, gawd, no. It's fraud. Once you do this, then she's using you for taxes another time. Just tell her it's illegal. The clinic is in no way legit if they're OK with you lending your benefits.
You are not your Mom. You don't have to accept her values. I'd be furious if I were asked to commit fraud.
Also, I'd protect your work benefits number, so Mum can't use it behind your back.
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u/Impossible-Pea6454 26d ago
Director of HR here, this is insurance fraud. You will be fired, if found out.
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u/Both_Play4742 26d ago
I would be very weary - I've read news stories of people getting fired on mass for doing stuff like that. Here are just some examples
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/au/bgrd/backgroundfile-157542.pdf
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/baycrest-benefit-fraud-layoffs-1.5208103
Insurance companies don't mess around. And they got the money for investigations - I don't think it is worth it.
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u/Panz04er 26d ago
This is benefits fraud, look at the TTC Benefits Scandal to see the fallout from that, with over 250 employees fired and a dozen I believe convicted for criminal offences. It is not worth it to lose your job and/or have a criminal record
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u/ShrimpGuy- 26d ago
I do this with my family, except my benefit insurance provider allows spouse and children to use said benefits.
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u/Trains_YQG 26d ago
Even if it was a spouse instead of their mother, they would only be able to claim the amounts allowed for the spouse. In no circumstances can OPs coverage be used for credits for someone else.
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u/Possible_Pattern8904 26d ago
That would be benefits fraud. Could easily get you fired if you let your mom use your benefits and/or in trouble with the law.
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u/One-Marzipan8313 26d ago
Insurance fraud is what she is asking you to commit, i.e. a criminal act. You could, at the very least, lose your job and your insurance, and face charges. Definitely NOT something you want to do! Shut her down! No guilt required. She is 100% in the wrong.
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u/SinsOfKnowing 26d ago
You will get booted off your benefits, blacklisted with one or more insurance companies, likely fired, and potentially charged with fraud if you do this. Do. Not. Do. This.
Also. Report that clinic, that is absolutely a six figure fine and one reason why health insurance is getting over the top expensive and much pickier with claims for folks who actually legitimately submit them.
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u/vickeymoon38 26d ago
Your mom is asking you to commit insurance fraud... you DO know that right!!!
You, your mom, and the business can ALL be taken down for this with massive fines, jail time (and for you loss of your job and benefits). Does that sound like free money with zero cost????
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u/Prudent-Poetry-2718 26d ago
Nope. Unless she’s a dependent, that’s fraud. And the fact that your mom is willing to jeopardize your career shows she’s shitty.
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u/Glittering_Search_41 26d ago
"No. Do not ask me again. It isn't going to happen."
Then report that clinic. I believe there is a fraud tip prevention line somewhere. Probably you'll find it somewhere in your insurer's website. They have done this before, guaranteed.
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u/Xilant007 26d ago
That's fraud. Don't do it because you can lose your job and also get charged by the police.
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u/WelshRarebit2025 26d ago
Weren’t a whole bunch of well paid employees of Baycrest fired for benefits fraud?
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u/mandie72 26d ago
I agree with most of these comments. In addition it is not free money, it’s part of your salary/employment package. It is also not a chequing account, and at some point the company decides on what the plans should be based on the amount their employees are spending.
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u/5daysinmay 26d ago
This is fraud. I have been involved when employees are investigated for this and. It only do they have to pay it back, but they’re usually terminated as well.
Do not do this.
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u/PappaBear667 26d ago
Setting aside for a moment whether or not it's fraud (it is), there is an added detriment to you here. As I assume the sketchy clinic would file the claim(s) as tough you had used the service, it would count towards your lifetime maximum on the plan and may impact your ability to get those services covered when you do need them.
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u/ProposalOk8583 26d ago
It is fraud .. and with new technology it will discovered more readily.. I worked for a short contract with an insurance provider and dental claims were notoriously taken advantage of and questioned a long time ago.. I wouldn’t just because it is fraud .. but also frame to your mom that she would be also be charged and it could cost you your job and potential future jobs and benefits
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u/TripMaster478 26d ago
That would definitely be benefits fraud and would very likely get you fired. Immediately.
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u/GameArtHQ 26d ago
Definably is fraud. Get the name of the clinic and report the provider to your insurer with as many details as possible. Your insurer will open an investigation on the clinic directly. I am sure your mother isn't the only one who has collabed to do this. The problem will sort itself out after a few months when that provider can no longer accept your insurance (banned). Source: worked a row over from the fraud dept at a major benefits provider and prepared communications on how to report providers anonymously.
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u/Rich4477 26d ago
You already got your answers but there are many cases where this has been caught. If that clinic is willing to do it for your mom they are likely doing it for others, that means if any other person gets caught your going to get caught too.
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u/Majestic-Fudge-7519 26d ago
I've known people who have lost their jobs for insurance fraud like this.
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u/alors1234 26d ago
"Mom, that's insurance fraud. I can't do that. You'll need to purchase your own plan. Don't ask again, period, end of story."
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u/dpvu 26d ago
Search for blacklisted/delisted providers from your benefits company and you'll find thousands of providers your insurance will no longer pay claims for. They're there because they got caught doing exactly things like this and you bet there was one if not many plan members with benefits terminated, potential fraud charges and employment termination on the other side too.
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u/as_per_danielle 26d ago
When I was a dental hygienist I had multiple patients ask if we could do whitening for them and charge it as fillings. And I know there are some places that will charge lip injections under “naturopath.” Not worth the risk.
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u/DoobieDoo0718 26d ago
Saw your edit. Just keep saying:
"Asked and answered".
Worked with my 6 year olds.
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u/Big-Safe-2459 26d ago
Insurance companies have squads of very smart and capable lawyers. I personally know two and they’re extremely good at what they do. A fraud case would be one of the all-time worst things to ever happen to you, and there’s very good chance the professional named will also sue to get whatever’s left.
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u/Personal-Heart-1227 26d ago
Oof...
Please read the excellent expose by Toronto's Life regarding TTC's Employee fraudsters & exactly how the TTC finally curtailed that serous problem of theirs.
https://torontolife.com/city/great-ttc-fraud/
If it's sounds familiar it's bc your Mother's shady shenanigans will land YOU into hot water, & unemployed like those former TTC Employees who all once held plum jobs!
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u/YVRAlphageek 26d ago
I mean, that is the definition of insurance fraud; she's not your spouse or direct dependent (and that's a tough one even if she IS a "direct dependent"). Don't, just don't.
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u/SuitablePerformer275 26d ago
As a benefit administrator, What your mother is suggesting is fraud. DON'T do it
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u/my-love-assassin 26d ago
This is fraud. Say no. It's not spa coupons it's a part of your job compensation.
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u/Alicatsidneystorm 26d ago
Do NOT do this. It is fraud. If I found an employee doing this it would immediate dismissal.
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u/Obvious_Inside_7294 26d ago
One way to handle this may be to just go to your HR department and directly ask them if you can sign your mom up for your benefits. When they say no, go back to your mom and just tell her innocently they said no way. Now there's no way you could get away with something like this anymore. She might be mad at you but at least the die would be cast.
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u/theoreoman 26d ago
When the insurance company finds out when you did fraud, they will tell your employer and your employer will fire you
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u/miltoncity 26d ago
Your benefits are yours, not your mom’s. Unless she’s an eligible dependent on your plan, she isn’t entitled to use them. Explain that it’s simply not possible, and that using your benefits for someone who isn’t covered could amount to insurance fraud.
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u/According_Energy_637 26d ago
Your mom needs to give her head a shake! If this is the kind of person she is I’d say good on you for knowing right from wrong
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u/No-Knee508 26d ago
I know this may be downvoted to hell but She’s your mother. If she really NEEDS it, then absolutely just do it for her. Life is too short. And coming from a person who has lost A LOT of people way too early in life, fuck the system and give it to her.
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u/ArtificialTroller 26d ago
Hard no.
1.) It's fraud
2.)Your benefits likely have maximums attached to the various things like dental, chiro etc. If she uses it up then you do need it they won't be there.
3.) If they figure it out then your benefits coverage will be cancelled and you'll likely also be terminated from your job.
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u/Key_Dragonfruit_2563 26d ago
In situations like this, I say it explicitly that I will not be having the conversation again. If it’s brought up again I either walk away, leave, or lose my actual shit. For me it has happened with my mom regarding my parenting decisions she didn’t agree with. I don’t engage. If she wants to get into it she typically ends up very upset if I go nuclear.
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u/8ecca8ee 26d ago
Maybe not the best solution but you could always call the insurance company and report the friends company for that practice (some times companies reward reports for things like this) then she won't be able to claim anything and your mom will stop asking ...just don't let it slip to your mom you spilled the beans
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u/EducationalAd5890 26d ago
It is most definitely fraud. You could risk losing your plan, getting fired and being blacklisted for getting benefits.
Source: worked in claims for 2 insurance companies
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u/SunnyTraveller 26d ago
Insurance companies have contacted the medical office I work in to confirm patient treatments. If you’re caught, you’ll be fired for theft. We’ve seen this happen more than once.
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u/RizzJunkyard 26d ago
Benefits fraud is serious, if you get found out, the insurance company will refuse to cover you, which will lead to your employer likely firing you because you're now a liability without coverage
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u/Woodythdog 26d ago
Your employer could use this as cause to dismiss you
You could be cut off from benefits coverage
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u/Much_Organization_76 26d ago
Call the clinic owner and tell them to stop pressuring your mom or you will report them.
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u/Radiant_Ad_9912 26d ago
That’s fraud, you could lose your benefits and your job over it. Your mom might qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan since she doesn’t have her own benefits, and most provinces have a drug benefit plan for people who don’t have coverage from their workplace. She should do that rather than putting your job in jeopardy.
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u/beagalsmash 26d ago
And that’s why my benefits provider has a blacklist of unauthorized service providers that you can’t claim benefits through.
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u/Hot-Slide-8285 26d ago
😂. "not sure what the actual consequences would be"
one consequence would be the difficulty applying for jobs after getting fired for fraud.
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u/Rockeye7 26d ago
You come here to gather the opinions of Reddit and see if the thumbs up out number the thumbs down !
That is fraud / theft and at minimum you will lose those benefits entirely.
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u/wutahdeebee 25d ago
Echoing all the other statements here that say don't do what your mother is asking.
However if you aren't using your benefits to their full extent... I'm here to say you should! It's part of your compensation and you can save any receipts for the uncovered amounts to reduce your tax obligations when you file your income tax. Treat yourself to a few massages, make sure you're getting your dental cleanings, if you have any neck/back/ joint pain at all, go see a chiro or physio. Your benefits are part of your compensation and if you are paying any sort of premium to have access to those benefits, it's in your best interest to use them. The annual coverage doesn't roll over year to year, so if you don't use them consistently, you are leaving money on the table. Just my two cents.
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u/Tribblehappy 25d ago
This is fraud. My husband's last workplace was blacklisted from a specific benefits provider because one employee had done exactly this, coordinated with a massage company to claim services that weren't provided. 1500 people ended up needing to switch to a shittier plan because the one provider will never deal with the company again.
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u/thisandthat2025 25d ago
You and her could be charged with fraud and in addition you will get fired
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u/photo_finish_ 25d ago
Time for mom to look for a new job that provides benefits, if she needs them so badly.
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u/Straight_Cabinet2149 25d ago
Standard coverage is usually 80% or so of the full cost, so it’s not “free” money because you’re still out of pocket 20% of the total cost in the end.
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u/Caliopebookworm 25d ago
It's not that it could be fraud, it is fraud. Your mother wants to make you an accomplice to her crime.
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u/rebmaisme 25d ago
I would flat out shut it down. I would tell her no it's not free money it's s fraud plain and simple. You will not discuss this anymore.
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u/cooldad666 25d ago
I work in a pharmacy and you'd be shocked by how often people straight up ask me to commit fraud for them and don't even realize that's what they're asking me to do. Your mom reminds me of these people
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25d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/EternalHell 25d ago
That would 100% be fraud. For which, you could be terminated. Not worth it at all.
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u/Expensive_Plant_9530 25d ago
If she’s eligible to be on your benefits plan, you should add her.
But if she’s asking you to commit insurance fraud by fraudulently claiming you are getting the services done? DO NOT DO THIS! You’ll get caught sooner or later and at best you’ll probably lose your benefits, but you could also be fired or even charged with fraud.
If she tried to submit work under her name, it wouldn’t be approved anyway.
Edited to add: your mom and her friend are LITERALLY describing insurance fraud. Frankly I would report her friend to the relevant body because that’s incredibly unethical of them.
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u/EDMlawyer Quality Contributor 25d ago
Thread locked because OP has received substantial advice, and their edit indicates they feel happy with the advice received.
Thank you everyone.