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star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2019-07-17more like thismore than 2019-07-17
star this property answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
star this property answering dept id 29 more like this
unstar this property answering dept short name Work and Pensions more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Work and Pensions remove filter
star this property hansard heading Universal Credit: Fraud more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 15 July 2019 to Question 275665 on universal credit: fraud, what steps her Department is taking to close a loophole in the online application process which enables people to make an application and claim an advance using another person’s information. more like this
star this property session
2017/19 more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Birmingham, Selly Oak remove filter
star this property tabling member printed
Steve McCabe more like this
star this property uin 278345 remove filter
star this property answer
answer
star this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2019-09-05more like thismore than 2019-09-05
star this property answer text <p>The Department takes the prevention of fraud extremely seriously. Part of its strategy includes ensuring Universal Credit transactions are secure, including tackling loopholes fraudsters may seek to exploit, which sadly can target some of our most vulnerable claimants.</p><p>It is, however, important to recognise that the vast majority of advances on Universal Credit are legitimate and ensure those in need of financial support get the help they need during their transition to Universal Credit.</p><p>All claims where fraud may have been committed are investigated. We are committed to the use of penalties such as prosecutions and tough financial penalties, where appropriate, to discourage this fraudulent behaviour. The Department considers all cases on their own merits and decisions are made on the strength of the evidence provided.</p><p>Additionally, we have a dedicated team of investigators to address this issue, and are working with Social Media sites to shut down posts which promote this fraud. The Department also operates a policy of explicit consent to help reduce the risk of fraud by ensuring that our claimants’ data is kept safe from unscrupulous organisations and individuals.</p><p>The Department is also raising awareness of this issue through a campaign being run on social media to remind people of the importance of safeguarding their identity. We have also been working to further improve knowledge and awareness of advances fraud amongst Jobcentre and Service Centre staff and guidance has been issued to ensure that staff are aware how to refer cases of suspected fraud to the Department’s Counter-fraud team.</p>
star this property answering member constituency Hexham more like this
star this property answering member printed Guy Opperman more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-09-05T10:48:17.183Zmore like thismore than 2019-09-05T10:48:17.183Z
star this property answering member
4142
star this property label Biography information for Guy Opperman more like this
star this property tabling member
298
unstar this property label Biography information for Steve McCabe more like this