There is no known way to prevent occasional faking of an illness. Holding a person accountable for his or her actions may help prevent repeat episodes of malingering.
The long-term effects of malingering are related to the type and size of gain a person is after. For instance, a person who seeks thousands of dollars in a phony lawsuit may be convicted of fraud if caught. On the other hand, if the person is successful, he or she may hurt others by taking from them.
Those who malinger can cost other people money, time, and energy.