A former benefit fraud investigator writes

£3.5b losses are only a very rough guesstimate and I would venture to suggest the cost of benefit fraud is a whole lot more than that!

Yes, the number is pitched to be conservative - even though it's more than three times the figure the government will admit to.

I WAS a Benefit Fraud Investigator but tired at bosses ordering me to go for easy targets (pensioners) to grab 'tick-box' sanctions when we all knew REAL fraudsters were continually allowed to 'get away' with huge-cost benefit crimes because thoughts of proper investigation terrify decision makers.

It sickens me to know just what a 'con' 'tackling benefit fraud' has become and to know too, that were investigation of this crime dealt with properly, government coffers would be billions of pounds better off for those who truly need help.

Benefit fraud is more rife than anyone cares to acknowledge - from many claimants who 'use' the system to further their property portfolios and business/family interests.

It's frustrating to know that no one appears to care about these total abuses; nor is interested enough to ask how it could very easily be fixed.

"Tackling benefit fraud" is a very (unfunny) joke.

Agreed - this blog is certainly interested in proposals for tackling benefit fraud properly.

See another insider's view here.