More than 85% of public tip offs on benefit 'frauds' are false

[herbalharry]

I can understand why those commiting benefit fraud would like us to believe it to be a minor issue and not worth the time, trouble, and expense of investigation.

 

There's half a million crimes committed every month. Did fear of punishment stop them commiting crime? Nope.

So why would the 0.4% benefit cheats stop because the government might investigate?

 

I believe the stats would be more or less the same regardless of how much the gov throws at this.

 

---------- Post added 29-02-2016 at 12:50 ----------

 

I can understand why those commiting benefit fraud would like us to believe it to be a minor isssue

 

Because it is a minor issue & not worth the time and resources as illustrated. Tax dodging and corporate crime is a much bigger carrot

[foxy lady]

There's half a million crimes committed every month. Did fear of punishment stop them commiting crime? Nope.

So why would the 0.4% benefit cheats stop because the government might investigate?

 

I believe the stats would be more or less the same regardless of how much the gov throws at this.

 

Or to look at it another way. The government puts limited rescorces into benefit fraud. It allows most benefit fraud to go undetected. So the stats only show the crime that they know about. If there was no investigating we might as well all fiddle the system as we would know that there were no consequences.

[herbalharry]

Or to look at it another way. The government puts limited rescorces into benefit fraud. It allows most benefit fraud to go undetected. So the stats only show the crime that they know about. If there was no investigating we might as well all fiddle the system as we would know that there were no consequences.

 

People claiming benefits are generally genuine and in need of benefits. So that's why they claim ! The stuff you hear about in the daily mail etc is a tiny fraction of bad eggs.

So yes send a message out but don't put too much towards it because it's really a small fraction and doesn't bring any money in.

 

---------- Post added 29-02-2016 at 12:58 ----------

 

There's more in benefits that goes unclaimed.

[Eric Arthur]

People claiming benefits are generally genuine and in need of benefits. So that's why they claim ! The stuff you hear about in the daily mail etc is a tiny fraction of bad eggs.

So yes send a message out but don't put too much towards it because it's really a small fraction and doesn't bring any money in.

 

---------- Post added 29-02-2016 at 12:58 ----------

 

There's more in benefits that goes unclaimed.

 

Do you claim benefit?

[herbalharry]

Do you claim benefit?

 

In work benefits yes. So what?

[Cyclone]

So if someone broke into your house how much time would you want the police to spend looking into it, bearing in mind it wouldn't really bring them much return if they caught the burgular and banged him up for 6 months.

 

The point about investigating crime is that it removes the bad guys from the streets. The point about investigating benefit fraud is it catches those doing it, and tells the others there is a chance they will get caught. Not investigating just sends out the message to everyone that they can help themselves.

 

Burglary is a fairly socially important crime. The 'return' is quite high.

 

Investigating a petty theft doesn't remove a bad guy from the streets.

[Eric Arthur]

In work benefits yes. So what?

 

Do you use illegal drugs?

[herbalharry]

Do you use illegal drugs?

 

Absolutely not. But each to their own.

[tinfoilhat]

Do you use illegal drugs?

 

Ask him about his tv licence ;););)

[herbalharry]

Ask him about his tv licence ;););)

 

Let's see your credentials. I ain't no benefits cheat. Took me nigh on 5 months to receive a penny after being layed off thanks.