Results

We have a team of dedicated fraud investigators who work across Northern Ireland. Our investigators have a variety of tools and powers at their disposal to help them detect benefit fraud. These include:

The wide use of Data Matching, both between our own computer systems and with those of other Government departments, e.g. HMRC. For more information, read our Data Sharing Strategy and Catalogue (Word 532KB)
The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 which allows investigators to conduct covert surveillance on suspected fraudsters.
Powers introduced by the Social Security Fraud Act (NI) 2001 which require third parties, such as banks, credit card companies, utility companies and educational establishments, to provide information that could help detect benefit fraud when requested to do so by investigators.
Co-operation with colleagues in the Republic of Ireland’s Department of Social and Family Affairs to reduce the opportunities for and to detect cross border fraud.
The increased use of intelligence and analysis to identify fraud trends which allows us to effectively focus resources on those areas most at risk to fraud.
Powers introduced by the Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act 1992 enabling authorised officers to obtain information from employers.

Benefit Fraud

Benefit Fraud investigators are highly trained in all aspects of fraud detection and have 'Professionalism in Security' training which is a nationally-accredited qualification.

In the 12 months from April 2010 to March 2011:

4325 investigations were concluded.
as a result benefit amounting to £9.4 million was overpaid. This money has to be repaid to the Department.

During the same period

515 administrative penalties (similar to a fine) were issued;
4 people were given a formal caution.
478 people were successfully convicted for benefit fraud.

Sentences handed down by the courts included custodial sentences, suspended prison sentences, probation orders, community service orders and monetary fines. Conviction results in a person having a criminal record.

Cheque Payment Fraud

We have a dedicated team that carries out investigations when it is suspected that a person has cashed a cheque payment which they have either stolen or received and reported as stolen.

In the 12 months from April 2010 to March 2011, 2263 cases were investigated which involved duplicated payments with a total value of £293,613.08.

During the same period

67 administrative penalties were issued;
64 people were successfully convicted for cheque payment fraud.

Sentences handed down by the courts included custodial sentences, suspended prison sentences, probation orders, community service orders and monetary fines. Again a conviction results in a person having a criminal record.

Repayment

In all cases, irrespective of the sentence those found guilty of benefit and cheque fraud are required to repay the amount of money they fraudulently obtained.

Financial Investigations

The Financial Investigation unit was established in 2005. It uses powers granted under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2002 to trace and recover money by way of Confiscation Orders in serious benefit fraud cases. Since it’s establishment in 2005 the Social Security Agency’s, Financial Investigation Unit has secured over £2 million in Confiscation Orders, voluntary payments and civil recovery from benefit fraudsters.