Clampdown on Insurance Fraud
A clampdown in insurance fraud is taking place in Neath Port
Talbot.
The council is launching a hard hitting publicity campaign this
week to tackle the increasing problem of fraudulent insurance
claims against the council.
Advertisements and leaflets will be appearing across the county
borough, encouraging residents to ring a new national freephone
Fraudline on 0800 328 9720 to report anyone they believe to be
defrauding the council. There will also be a radio campaign.
Fraudulent insurance against the council costs thousands of
pounds every year. This inevitably is paid from the council tax
which honest council tax payers have paid. Cracking down on
fraudulent pay outs will help minimise the council tax for Neath
Port Talbot residents. This means more money can be spent on
council services.
Last year claims cost council taxpayers £714,000, so the council
has decided to get tough on fraudsters.
Types of fraud could be bogus claims, exaggerated or multiple
claims or injury fraud where no accident has taken place.
Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Derek Vaughan, said, "The
council recognises there are some genuine claims made by local
people, but there is also evidence that fears many are false.
"Committing fraud is a criminal offence and penalties include
fines and imprisonment.
"We are working closely with the police, carrying out checks
with other local authorities as well as training staff and using
comprehensive IT systems."
The council is urging anyone to report fraud on the newly set up
national fraudline 0800 328 9270. This can be done anonymously.
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Last Updated: 17.05.2010 at 10:39