National Report Kickback Fraud Day is an observance dedicated to raising awareness about the illegal practice of kickbacks, which can undermine the integrity of various industries, particularly in healthcare and government contracts. This day encourages individuals to report any suspected kickback fraud, thus helping to combat this pervasive issue.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: September 18
- Tagged as: National Report Kickback Fraud Day
- What’s the hashtag?: #ReportKickbackFraud
- When was it founded?: 2017
- Who founded it?: The Hesch Firm, LLC, founded by attorney Joel D. Hesch.
History of National Report Kickback Fraud Day
Kickback fraud has a long history, with significant legal frameworks established to combat it. The first anti-kickback statute was introduced in 1931 with the Copeland Act. This was followed by the creation of the Anti-Kickback Statute in 1972, aimed specifically at protecting Medicare and Medicaid programs from fraudulent practices.
Timeline
- 2017: National Report Kickback Fraud Day was established.
- 2018: Increased public awareness campaigns launched.
- 2019: Introduction of educational resources for whistleblowers.
- 2020: Expansion of reporting mechanisms for kickback fraud.
- 2021: National outreach efforts to engage more citizens in reporting fraud.
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September | 18 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | September | 18 | Thursday |
| 2026 | September | 18 | Friday |
| 2027 | September | 18 | Saturday |
| 2028 | September | 18 | Monday |
Observed
National Report Kickback Fraud Day is observed annually on September 18 across the United States, serving as a reminder of the importance of vigilance against fraud in both public and private sectors.
Fun Facts About
- The U.S. government loses approximately $100 billion annually due to fraud, including kickbacks.
- Whistleblowers can receive rewards of up to 25% of the recovered amount when they report kickback fraud under the Department of Justice’s program.
Quiz
- What year was National Report Kickback Fraud Day founded?
- What percentage of government funds is estimated to be lost to fraud?
- Who is the founder of this observance?
Answers:
- 2017
- Over 10%
- Joel D. Hesch
FAQs
What constitutes kickback fraud?
Kickback fraud occurs when unauthorized payments are made for business referrals or transactions, often compromising ethical standards in industries like healthcare and government contracting.
What are the penalties for participating in kickback schemes?
Violators may face severe penalties, including fines up to $25,000 per violation and imprisonment for up to five years.
How can individuals report suspected kickback fraud?
Individuals can report kickback fraud through various hotlines or online platforms established by government agencies and organizations focused on combating fraud.
Importance of National Report Kickback Fraud Day
This observance plays a crucial role in educating the public about the detrimental effects of kickbacks on society and encourages proactive measures to report such activities. By raising awareness, it aims to protect taxpayer money and maintain trust in essential services.
Related
- Whistleblower Protection Act
- Anti-Kickback Statute
- Medicare Fraud Awareness