The Department for Work and Pensions is warning people on Universal Credit they will be cracking down on benefit fraud.
The DWP has revealed it may ask claimants to submit to a passport check to show they are genuine. They also warned people to be aware of random requests to supply ID or other details as official DWP calls for personal information will always be confirmed in a claimant's online account.
It was previously reported that the DWP opened almost 19,000 investigations into alleged benefit fraud up to the end of March 2023. More than 20 million people across the UK claim some form of benefit from the DWP, including Universal Credit and the State Pension.
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But the latest news comes as they aim to crack down on benefit fraud, Birmingham Live reports. In a social media message the department said: "DWP may ask you to submit ID such as your passport.
"We will always add a message to your journal to prove it is us. Your information can be used by criminals to commit benefit and other fraud. If you believe you have been targeted, contact Action Fraud."
Common types of benefit fraud
- Faking an illness or injury
- Failing to report income from a business or employment to make income seem lower
- Living with someone who contributes to the household income without declaring it
- Falsifying accounts
The DWP also says people on benefits who go on holiday or do not report other changes in circumstances could be prosecuted for committing benefit fraud. This could mean you could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty of up to £5,000 if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances.
What evidence can you be asked to give?
- Inspector reports from surveillance activities
- Photographs or videos
- Audio recordings
- Correspondence
- Financial data, including bank statements
- Interviews with you or people you know
- Any evidence submitted by those who reported you
- Social media accounts and online profiles. If your social media posts are not consistent with your claims for benefits, this evidence may be used against you.
What happens if you’re suspected of benefit fraud?
You’ll be contacted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the Defence Business Services or your local authority if you’re suspected of fraud. Your benefit may be stopped while you’re investigated but you will get a letter telling you about this if it happens.
You may be visited by Fraud Investigation Officers (FIOs) or asked to attend an interview to talk about your claim - this is called an ‘interview under caution', when FIOs will gather facts about your case and decide whether to take further action. An ‘interview under caution’ is a formal interview that is often recorded. It could become part of a criminal investigation against you.
Birmingham Live reports that the DWP also plans to introduce a raft of new powers, including a new civil penalty for cases of fraud and requiring organisations such as banks to share data securely on an increased scale to check people's savings and whether claimants are living abroad and not eligible to get UK benefits. There are also plans to increase DWP officers' powers to conduct searches, seize evidence, and make arrests.
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