If you’re thinking about committing benefit fraud, then you need to look over your shoulder because “We’re closing in”. That’s the message from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on the launch of what the DWP terms the latest national offensive against benefit thieves.
The new campaign highlights the many risks of committing benefit fraud and the high likelihood of being caught. ‘We’re Closing In’ spells out that benefit fraud is a crime and those committing it will be caught and punished. <br><br>Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform Tony McNulty said: “Stealing from the benefit system takes money from the pockets of hard working taxpayers.  We’re absolutely determined to catch benefit thieves and have been very successful, cutting fraud by two thirds since 2001. This campaign is the next step in our fight and presents a clear message – there is no hiding if you try to steal from the taxpayer. With over 600 calls to the Benefit Fraud Hotline everyday, we know the general public are behind us”.<br><br>‘We’re closing In’ is aimed at people who have just begun or are thinking about committing benefit fraud. The campaign uses the risk of being caught as a deterrent. Its visuals highlight the investigation techniques used to track down benefit cheats, bringing home the message that there is no escape for those who commit fraud. <br><br>Campaign adverts will be appearing on TV, radio and in newspapers as well as on ATM screens, online banners and posters. <br><br>;‘We’re Closing In’ was launched locally in 30 target towns on 23 September in the lead up to the national campaign launch. The new campaign follows on from the ‘No Ifs, No Buts’ campaign of 2006-2008.
Meanwhile, a whistleblowers’ hotline to help catch benefit cheats living it up on the ‘Costas’ was launched in Spain.
In the first trial of its kind, ex-pats in Alicante who suspect benefit fraud will be able to report their concerns on a local number. Cases will be passed by the operator to investigators in the UK, who will also be able to draw on the team’s on-the-ground intelligence.
Anti-Benefit Fraud Minister, James Plaskitt said: “Most ex-pats are law-abiding and outraged by people who abuse the system. Helped by this hotline, the sun will now set on the cheats.”
The cost of benefit fraud committed abroad is an estimated £93 million a year. It involves a range of scams such as people on means-tested benefits going abroad but not declaring their absence, an individual working while “sick” and legitimate payments taken over after the rightful recipient dies.
The pilot will test the usage and quality of information provided and posters advertising the line will appear across Alicante.
The initiative is part of a growing relationship between Spain and the UK on social security issues that already includes agreements to data-match and share death notifications. Later this week James Plaskitt will sign a Memorandum of Understanding to cement the Anglo-Spanish partnership.
James Plaskitt added: “Benefit fraud is a crime no matter where it happens. We are forging strong relationships with governments across Europe to help us catch the thieves who pick our pockets from beyond our shores.”
