Benefit Fraud in the news

Fraudsters Beware!

Herefordshire Council is determined to crack down on benefit fraud and taking a leaf out of the Crimewatch book has enlisted the help of the local community.

A large proportion of the Council’s fraud referrals are from local people who are fed up with others cheating the benefit system.

With the continued help and support of the community Herefordshire Council intends to carry on making life difficult for people who claim benefit they know they’re not entitled to.

Between 1 April 2006 and 31 March 2007, the Council investigated in excess of 550 fraud allegations. This led to more than 100 sanctions being issued of which 38 were successfully prosecuted.

This has resulted in over £200,000 of fraudulent overpayments to be recovered from the fraudsters.

If you suspect anyone of benefit fraud contact the benefit fraud hotline on freephone number 0800 592953 or write to the Benefit Investigation Unit, Town Hall, St Owens Street, Hereford, HR1 2PJ.

Where fraud has been proven the Council also attempts to prevent further fraudulent claims by applying sanctions against the claimant.

Sanctions open to the Council include administrative penalties. An administrative penalty would cost the fraudster an additional 30% of the fraudulent overpayment. In more serious cases the Council looks to prosecute every time.

“We take benefit fraud very seriously. This is not a victimless crime, people who claim benefit they know they’re not entitled to are not only taking money that isn’t theirs but leaving less money for legitimate claimants,” said Mike Toney, Head of Benefit & Exchequer Services.

“We’re very grateful to all our local fraud-watchers, without their help many of these fraudulent claims would not have been brought to our attention,” he added.

However, Herefordshire Council actively encourages people who are entitled to benefits to claim.