You still remember the thrill all those years ago when you made your first sale at your first job. Over the years, you have sold various products for many different Minneapolis companies. You have read all the classic sales books and learned by watching others and from personal experience. It is no surprise that you are now the top salesman at the pharmaceutical company you currently work for.
Then one day, you get a call from the boss. A customer has accused you of fraud and is planning to take the company to court. The boss makes it clear that they are not willing to take the blame for your actions. She feels that if you mis-sold things, that was your decision and certainly not something the company ever encouraged.
Whatever you sell, there are specific rules you need to abide by:
- You cannot lie: You cannot tell someone a drug is guaranteed to do something if it is not. Using false evidence to convince someone is also not acceptable. Nor is lying about the real cost or about limited availability.
- You cannot hide the facts: Failing to disclose the harmful side effects of drugs could endanger someone and lead to fraud charges. Failing to mention that a new drug has not yet been approved or is only licensed for a different use may all be considered fraudulent behavior.
When your wages are commission- or incentive-based, it can be tempting to bend the truth or “forget” to mention something to close a sale. Yet doing so could lead to problems for you and the Minneapolis company you represent. If you stand accused of committing fraud, seek legal help to understand your defense options.