Phantom acupuncturist fined for ACC fraud

An Auckland acupuncturist who claimed money from ACC for treatment which hadn’t taken place has been fined $10,000.

Tae In Yoo has also been ordered to pay immediate reparation of $6841.13 to ACC for the ‘phantom’ treatments, as well as court costs of $3640.

“We’re delighted with this result,” said ACC Operations Director Graham Bashford.

“While most of our treatment providers are completely honest, it shows the few who aren’t that they won’t get away with it.”

Tae In Yoo submitted claim forms for 113 false treatments between April 2007 and March 2009. He was caught after a tip-off on the ACC fraud hotline (0800 372 830).

“This sort of crime won’t be tolerated,” said Graham Bashford. “People who steal from ACC are stealing from all New Zealanders. We will continue to investigate them and bring them before the Courts.”