Call to turn in benefit fraudsters

TAXPAYERS have been urged to anonymously turn in benefit cheats in a bid to reduce the burden for every Briton.

The National Fraud Authority says cheats carve an annual £38 billion hole in Britain’s finances. If the cost of fraud was broken down individually it would leave every adult with a bill for £765 in increased prices.

The most common types of fraud is by claimants who say they are a single parent when they live with their partner.

Other types include individuals not declaring properties they rent out, or not declaring their income from jobs by saying they cannot find work.

Dave Cording, deputy chief executive at Crimestoppers, said: “Benefit fraud forces honest taxpayers to pay more, takes money away from those who genuinely need it and exploits others’ honesty. Crimestoppers callers who pass on information about bene-fit fraud are driven by the unfairness they witness of those claiming benefits dishonestly whilst being healthy and capable of working.

“We don’t accept excuses for other crimes, so let’s not accept them for benefit fraud – it’s not a victimless crime, and it hurts those in genuine need of financial help.

“The taxpayer is stung twice, as those dishonestly claiming often end up in court, costing us more in time and money.”