Menu
10/11/2003
Christmas campaign to target benefit cheats
A new government campaign is set to warn benefits cheats who are engaged in cash-in-hand work that they can expect to feel the full weight of the law if they are caught.
The Targeting Benefit Fraud campaign is being stepped up as Christmas gets closer and some people become tempted to work illegally whilst claiming benefits. Campaign warnings will appear in pubs, clubs and shop windows.
People checking the ads in the window of their local shop for some cash-in-hand work will find a warning on one of the cards – a mock advert designed to catch the eye of anyone considering benefit fraud to fund their festivities.
It asks "Do you want to earn £££s and still sign on?" and ends with the message that the only thing benefit fraud will earn you is a "criminal record".
Anti-fraud Minister Chris Pond said: "Christmas can be an expensive time, but committing benefit fraud could cost you a great deal more. Cheats need to know that they face heavy fines and prison sentences if they work and claim fraudulently.
"The aim of this campaign is to make anyone thinking about cheating the system over Christmas think again. Benefit fraud is stealing from the public purse. It's taking money away from where it is needed most - our schools, hospitals and other vital public services."
The government plans to cut benefit fraud in half by 2006 – so far Whitehall claims a 26% reduction. Stolen benefits cost £2 billion every year - that's equivalent to £80 from every family in Great Britain.
The campaign will run until December 8th, and recommence in January 2004. It will include radio, poster and local press advertising.
Anyone who may have information or can identify benefit cheats should contact the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440 between 7am and 11pm, seven days a week.
(gmcg)
The Targeting Benefit Fraud campaign is being stepped up as Christmas gets closer and some people become tempted to work illegally whilst claiming benefits. Campaign warnings will appear in pubs, clubs and shop windows.
People checking the ads in the window of their local shop for some cash-in-hand work will find a warning on one of the cards – a mock advert designed to catch the eye of anyone considering benefit fraud to fund their festivities.
It asks "Do you want to earn £££s and still sign on?" and ends with the message that the only thing benefit fraud will earn you is a "criminal record".
Anti-fraud Minister Chris Pond said: "Christmas can be an expensive time, but committing benefit fraud could cost you a great deal more. Cheats need to know that they face heavy fines and prison sentences if they work and claim fraudulently.
"The aim of this campaign is to make anyone thinking about cheating the system over Christmas think again. Benefit fraud is stealing from the public purse. It's taking money away from where it is needed most - our schools, hospitals and other vital public services."
The government plans to cut benefit fraud in half by 2006 – so far Whitehall claims a 26% reduction. Stolen benefits cost £2 billion every year - that's equivalent to £80 from every family in Great Britain.
The campaign will run until December 8th, and recommence in January 2004. It will include radio, poster and local press advertising.
Anyone who may have information or can identify benefit cheats should contact the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440 between 7am and 11pm, seven days a week.
(gmcg)
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 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.
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.
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.
10 May 2006
Consultants contracts 'do not benefit benefit patients'
New NHS contracts for senior hospital doctors in England have provided little benefit to patients, a new report has claimed. According to the King's Fund report, the new consultant contract, which was implemented in 2003, cost £90 million more to implement than was originally planned.
Consultants contracts 'do not benefit benefit patients'
New NHS contracts for senior hospital doctors in England have provided little benefit to patients, a new report has claimed. According to the King's Fund report, the new consultant contract, which was implemented in 2003, cost £90 million more to implement than was originally planned.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
