Could have fooled me

Color me surprised -- from the London Daily Mail:

The threat of the 'fake fishermen': How BP may be paying out millions in oil spill compensation to fraudsters
BP could be paying millions in compensation to 'fake fishermen', it has been revealed.

So far BP has paid $308million to those whose livelihood has been threatened by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

But to receive compensation, fishermen must display a valid fishing licence - and applications for such licenses have spiked by nearly 60 per cent, despite most fishing grounds being closed by the disaster.

Three people suspected of abusing the system have been arrested in the past week in the U.S. - but there are fears there could be many more such 'fraudsters' at work.

One genuine fisherman even told reporters of being approached by two men who asked him to sign documents for them showing that they had worked for him.

He said he refused - but told the BBC that other captains have been offered thousands to sign similar such documents vouching for fraudsters trying to claim compensation.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has sold 2,200 licenses since the spill, Lt Col Jeff Mayne of the LDWF Law Enforcement Division told the BBC today.

Hey BP -- it is so simple a caveman could do it. Bring your licence. And your last two years tax returns. You are in the business of fishing? Then you should have sold some fish. Show me proof of income... This would also allow BP to more accurately compensate someone for their loss. Someone who pulls $60K from fishing is going to be out a lot more than someone who casually gets $6K. Upkeep on boats and gear, keeping licenses and permits current, etc...