Business Owner Convicted Of ACC Fraud

MEDIA RELEASE

AUGUST 7 2008

Business Owner Convicted Of ACC Fraud

Canterbury business owner Margaret Churchman-Watson has been convicted of misleading the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and ordered to undergo 200 hours of community service. ACC is seeking to recover more than $20,000 paid as a result of the fraud.

Mrs Churchman-Watson who incorporated Two Thick-Bricks Professional Bricklaying Company Ltd in July 2003, was found guilty on three charges of misleading ACC between August 2003 and July 2004.

``ACC takes a zero tolerance policy to fraud,’’ said Chief Operating Officer Gerard McGreevy. ``The money we pay in replacement income to injured people is funded by levies charged to New Zealanders, so we need to ensure that it is going to injured people, who are genuinely unable to work. It’s unfortunate that some people still try to defraud ACC by claiming income replacement while working, but it’s also positive that we have measures in place to find out when this is happening and deal with it appropriately.’’

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