Benefit thieves are under the spotlight

7:56am Wednesday 5th March 2008

ANTI-FRAUD Minister James Plaskitt visited Wirral on Tuesday to speak with investigators and managers as part of the hard-hitting "No Ifs, No Buts" benefit fraud campaign.

The visit coincided with the launch of an initiative in Wirral which will see a maildrop to every household in selected areas.

The leaflet delivers a strong anti-fraud message with details of recent court cases and references to the powers that fraud investigators have to obtain information.

The minister took the opportunity to see a specially equipped vehicle used by investigators to undertake covert surveillance on customers suspected of benefit fraud.

The message to benefit thieves is that "It's only a matter of time before they catch you".

Right now, someone could be reporting them to the national benefit fraud hotline, a benefit fraud investigator could be watching them under covert surveillance, or computer systems could be informing DWP of their true financial situation.

The campaign is aimed at dishonest benefit claimants who deliberately withhold information.

Once caught, benefit thieves face an interview under caution and possible prosecution which could result in a fine or even a prison sentence. In all cases the money stolen has to be paid back.

Mr Plaskitt said: "We take every instance of benefit theft seriously - no ifs, no buts'. Our message to those people considering benefit theft is simple: don't do it - we will catch you.

"The public are fed up with benefit thieves stealing money."