Benefits System Identify Fraud and Abuse 2022-03-21
2022-03-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about identity theft leading to false claims on universal credit, affecting constituents negatively.
What steps she is taking to tackle identity fraud and abuse of the benefits system. I am concerned about my constituent who was contacted by a debt collection agency for £1,500 in alleged outstanding UC debts despite never having claimed before. He faced difficulty resolving this issue through official channels until intervention from my office.
Verification of identity remains a critical requirement for all DWP benefits, with an additional 2,000 trained specialists recruited to identify and stop scammers. Universal credit benefits staff have access to information and intelligence prior to payment for real-time risk assessment. Anyone contacting about a debt they believe they never made will be referred to the stolen ID team who aim to contact them within 48 hours.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent, Dr Ralph Mitchell, faced issues due to identity theft leading to a false UC debt claim. He was unable to resolve the issue without assistance.
I am grateful for the Minister's answer. My constituent, Dr Ralph Mitchell, contacted me after being approached by a debt collector regarding a £1,500 debt he did not owe due to identity theft. Despite numerous calls to the Department, resolution was only achieved through my intervention. What is the Department doing to prevent such identity theft and ensure quick communication with victims?
Verification of identity remains a critical requirement for all DWP benefits, with an additional 2,000 trained specialists recruited. Universal credit staff have access to information and intelligence prior to payment for real-time risk assessment. Anyone contacting about a debt they believe they never made will be referred to the stolen ID team who aim to contact them within 48 hours.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy