Menu
03/10/2005
Benefit fraud ads describe cross-checking steps
Benefit frauds are being targeted in a series of new radio advertisements launched on Monday.
The new 40-second clips describe computer systems that help identify fraudsters by continuous cross-referencing of information across government departments. The ads warn that these investigators “work relentlessly, never take a day off and don’t even sleep.”
The new ads, which will run until November 6, are part of the government’s ‘Targeting Benefit Fraud’ campaign.
Commenting on the new ads, Anti-Fraud Minister James Plaskitt said: “Using technology to catch benefit cheats is now a fact. We are uncovering fraud earlier and in the last year, £53 million of taxpayer’s money was recovered in this way.”
Techniques used by the Department of Work and Pensions to fight benefit fraud include scanning data sources, such as those held by the Inland Revenue, to check for inconsistencies, as well as checking bills and bank accounts.
The DWP has targets to reduce fraud and error in Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance by 50% and in Housing Benefit by 25% by March 2006.
Mr Plaskitt added: “We have had real success in tackling benefit fraud, but we are not complacent. Fraud is a crime and we will continue to develop new methods to combat it.”
(KMcA/SP)
The new 40-second clips describe computer systems that help identify fraudsters by continuous cross-referencing of information across government departments. The ads warn that these investigators “work relentlessly, never take a day off and don’t even sleep.”
The new ads, which will run until November 6, are part of the government’s ‘Targeting Benefit Fraud’ campaign.
Commenting on the new ads, Anti-Fraud Minister James Plaskitt said: “Using technology to catch benefit cheats is now a fact. We are uncovering fraud earlier and in the last year, £53 million of taxpayer’s money was recovered in this way.”
Techniques used by the Department of Work and Pensions to fight benefit fraud include scanning data sources, such as those held by the Inland Revenue, to check for inconsistencies, as well as checking bills and bank accounts.
The DWP has targets to reduce fraud and error in Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance by 50% and in Housing Benefit by 25% by March 2006.
Mr Plaskitt added: “We have had real success in tackling benefit fraud, but we are not complacent. Fraud is a crime and we will continue to develop new methods to combat it.”
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 October 2006
Campaign to crack down on benefit cheats launched
The government has launched a campaign which aims to crack down on benefit cheats. The 'No Ifs, No Buts' campaign stresses the message that there are no excuses for committing benefit fraud. It is estimated that almost £1 billion was lost last year through benefit fraud, compared to £2 billion in 2001.
Campaign to crack down on benefit cheats launched
The government has launched a campaign which aims to crack down on benefit cheats. The 'No Ifs, No Buts' campaign stresses the message that there are no excuses for committing benefit fraud. It is estimated that almost £1 billion was lost last year through benefit fraud, compared to £2 billion in 2001.
21 January 2004
Conviction warning for benefits fraudsters
The government have claimed a victory today in the fight against benefits fraud following the conviction of a 41-year-old man at Luton Crown. David Thompson, 41, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to four and a half years at Luton Crown Court for his part in a scam to steal public money by presenting counterfeit giros at post offices.
Conviction warning for benefits fraudsters
The government have claimed a victory today in the fight against benefits fraud following the conviction of a 41-year-old man at Luton Crown. David Thompson, 41, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to four and a half years at Luton Crown Court for his part in a scam to steal public money by presenting counterfeit giros at post offices.
21 November 2007
Fraud Alert For 25m As Child Benefit Data Lost
The loss 'in the post' of computer discs with 25m people's personal details on them has led to a major fraud alert across the UK. The child benefit data on them includes names, ages, bank and address details. Questions are alreay being asked whether Alistair Darling "is up to the job" of chancellor.
Fraud Alert For 25m As Child Benefit Data Lost
The loss 'in the post' of computer discs with 25m people's personal details on them has led to a major fraud alert across the UK. The child benefit data on them includes names, ages, bank and address details. Questions are alreay being asked whether Alistair Darling "is up to the job" of chancellor.
12 February 2004
Benefit fraud crackdown saves taxpayers £400m
A government crackdown against fraud and error has saved £400 million of taxpayers money, according official statistics released today. The figures showed that overpayments in 2002/03 were £400 million less than they would have been if fraud and error had stayed at the same level as the baseline year of 1997/98.
Benefit fraud crackdown saves taxpayers £400m
A government crackdown against fraud and error has saved £400 million of taxpayers money, according official statistics released today. The figures showed that overpayments in 2002/03 were £400 million less than they would have been if fraud and error had stayed at the same level as the baseline year of 1997/98.
14 May 2004
Maxine Carr is released from prison
Maxine Carr, the former girlfriend of Soham murderer Ian Huntley, has been released from jail after serving a sentence for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Carr, 27, was convicted in December of the conspiracy charge after it was found that she had lied to police investigating the murders of Sarah Wells and Jessica Chapman.
Maxine Carr is released from prison
Maxine Carr, the former girlfriend of Soham murderer Ian Huntley, has been released from jail after serving a sentence for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Carr, 27, was convicted in December of the conspiracy charge after it was found that she had lied to police investigating the murders of Sarah Wells and Jessica Chapman.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
