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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.