There is an abundance of fraud in society, especially in the areas of employment, higher education, and health care. This article will describe serious societal problems that are occurring, and hopefully, appropriate solutions.

Employment

It occurred to me that there really are not many “real” jobs in America. Many places of employment, including retail, hospitality, food service, manufacturing, government, large and small companies often hire people via the Worker Opportunity Program (WOCT) or other government programs such as Reentry Programs, Veterans Employment Programs, and Disabled Work Programs. The WOTC was started in 1996 by President Bill Clinton to give disadvantaged workers a break and a tax incentive to companies. While the idea was indeed noble, it appears to have turned into a fraudulent situation whereby companies hire workers just to save money and when the benefits run out, they look to get rid of them. However, these jobs were meant to lead to permanent employment and even promotions. The methods used to rid companies of employees that no longer come with tax benefits are cutting hours, cutting shifts, micromanaging, and harassment, and finally, accusing them of crimes. Thus, these jobs are nothing more than temporary employment without informing the employees of this.

If you have experienced this treatment as a worker on a benefit program, this is known as “Constructive Discharge.” This is designed to force you to quit and not be eligible for unemployment compensation. However, you do have legal means to sue or file for arbitration. If you cannot afford a lawyer for a court case, you can represent yourself as a pro se attorney. You may not need an attorney in arbitration but can get an advocate or other professional to represent you. Usually, they will settle fast because they do not want publicity to advertise their fraud.

The above situation leaves people with very skimpy resumes, and they find out that the only job that they can get is another job attached to a benefit program that will be temporary. Thus, the notion of building a government career has become an illusion in many cases. Is it any wonder that the stock market is so high when so many companies are selling goods and services and not paying their employees all or most of their salaries from their earnings?

Education

Many people aspire to go to college and have a chance at a better life. However, colleges do not always fulfill their promises, and this could be considered fraud and misrepresentation. For example, they do not transfer your credits as promised from another college, thus forcing you to stay longer and spend more. Often, they do not honor their zero-tolerance policy toward harassment, and bullying can destroy your reputation among students and even your alumni network. An alumni network is vital to your future for referrals to jobs and social contacts. Finally, the college may have exaggerated the success you will have in finding a job in your field, and they may be of no help in providing you with internships, externships, or leads. All of this will leave you with a large student loan debt and no tangible way to pay it back.

You may be eligible for Borrower’s Defense from the U.S. Department of Education to get the college to pay back your loans. The application is not long and is worth trying. If you win, you will receive any payments that you made plus any interest that was erroneously charged. It will take time, but it is well worth it if you win. Also, you may be able to sue your state for consumer fraud if you win and the college is found guilty of fraudulent endeavors.

Health Care

Every year, there are hundreds of cases for Medicare fraud. Unscrupulous doctors and other health care professionals often target seniors. Often, older people are told they have conditions which they do not, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. I was told that I had macular degeneration and needed extremely expensive shots which were not covered by insurance. I was advised to see a retina specialist who said that I did not this condition. A Medicare dentist also told me that I needed extensive gum surgery and when I returned to my private dentist, he stated that my gums were fine. It is wise to always get a second opinion if you are told that you have a condition, especially if you have no symptoms. If you find out that it is fraud, report it to Medicare. The same is true for Medicaid.

Health clubs are also engaging in Medicare fraud. They often try to get rid of regular members to make more room for older or disabled people on Medicare, Medicaid, or other health insurance so they can also provide physical therapy and other services. They often start to accuse regular members of noncompliance with policies with bogus charges.

You can report this behavior to the Department of Consumer Affairs in your state and take them to Small Claims Court for consumer fraud and breach of contract. You can also report these actions to Medicare and Medicaid.

It is not only sad for me to report these violations, but it is also horrifying. People deserve much more from the professionals and institutions they are taught to trust.