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DWP snooping fears grow over new benefit fraud checks of bank accounts

The DWP is rolling out new anti-fraud powers using AI-driven systems to identify suspicious claims. Experts warn these measures, which critics label "DWP snooping powers," could wrongly flag innocent benefit claimants.
Government officials are entering a "test and learn" phase for the crackdown, utilizing digital identity checks and cross-departmental data sharing to spot suspicious claims faster through AI-driven risk analysis.
Research from SmartSearch indicates 54% of organizations still perform manual identity checks, while 24% identify AI-generated fraud as their top threat and 68% of compliance professionals spend half their time on automatable tasks.
Stuart Morris, chief technology officer at SmartSearch, warned that reliance on automation risks creating "false positives" where legitimate claimants face investigation. He stressed ministers must prioritize "accuracy, proportionality and public trust."
Morris suggested the DWP prioritize "smarter verification" over broader powers, advocating for independent oversight and transparent appeals processes. Legitimate claimants must remain protected while the agency targets deliberate fraud more effectively.

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DWP urged to maintain 'accuracy and pubic trust' as YOUR bank account could be probed in benefit fraud probe

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is being urged to maintain "accuracy, proportionality, and public trust" when its new anti-fraud surveillance powers come into effect

18 days ago·London, United Kingdom

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