This is from Targetting Benefit Fraud
We know from research that most people do not realise the level of benefit fraud. Some people see it as a victimless crime. It is not. We estimate that £2 billion a year is lost through people claiming money they are not entitled to. We want people to realise that fraud is everyone's problem, and that the Government is determined to deal with it.
We want people to understand that benefit fraud is unacceptable. One of the ways we are trying to do this is through advertising. An independent report (the Grabiner Report) recommended testing the use of paid advertising to change attitudes to benefit fraud. Publicity has been used successfully by Government in the past to change public attitudes over time, for example to tackle drink-driving.
What is being done apart from the Targeting Benefit Fraud campaign?
In addition to the work on interviewing, visiting and investigation that goes on every day around the country, special initiatives to drive down fraud include the following: ? A National Intelligence Unit has been set up to analyse fraud data on a national scale, identifying fraud and trends in the system. This information will feed the specification for fraud set by the Fraud Strategy Unit.
? The Fraud Strategy Unit has been set up to research the risks of types of fraud to help us prevent it, and to root it out when it does happen.
? We have made the way people claim Income Support more secure. Customers must now produce more evidence to support their claim before Income Support is paid.
? Rigorous standards have been set for local authorities to check Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit claims.
? We have introduced the Royal Mail 'do not redirect' scheme. This prevents benefit cheats using false addresses for their bogus claims by using the Royal Mail's postal redirection arrangements.
? We have tightened up on the evidence needed when applying for a National Insurance number. The numbers are issued by specially trained staff, backed up by the National Identity Fraud Unit.
? Local Authorities have direct access to the Department for Work and Pensions information through Remote Access Terminals, and can guard against fraudulent claims for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit.
? Data matching cross-checks benefit and Inland Revenue records to find benefit cheats.
How can I tell you if I suspect someone of fraud?
You can report suspicion of fraud, without giving your name, by using the electronic reporting form on this website Report a benefit cheat online, or you can ring the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440 between 7am and 11pm, 7 days a week. It is free and confidential. If you prefer, you can forward information in writing to:
NBFH
PO Box 224
Preston
PR1 1GP