Anti-Fraud Awareness Week is almost here

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#wathupondearne Latest news in Yorkshire: September 11, 2018 11:53:58 AM

Barnsley Council’s first ever Anti-Fraud Awareness Week – “Fraud: Spot it,
Stop it” takes place next week (17 to 21 September).

As well as highlighting how Barnsley residents can protect themselves
against consumer fraud and scams, the council will be raising awareness
about the impact of council-related fraud.

Councils across the country face a significant fraud challenge, with fraud
costing local authorities an estimated £2.1 billion a year.

Every one pound that Barnsley Council loses to fraud is a pound that it
cannot spend on supporting local communities.

Cllr Alan Gardiner, Cabinet Spokesperson for Corporate Services, said:
“Fraud is a drain on valuable council resources, in a time when every penny
counts and budgets are decreasing.

“Fraudsters do not respect boundaries, rules or regulations and will take
any opportunity to steal money that is intended to help others. We need
people to spot it and stop it by reporting it to the council.”

A number of departments across the council will be working alongside
Berneslai Homes to provide advice, guidance and support to the public on
issues including scams; misuse of Blue Badges for parking;
unlicensed/illegal taxis; illicit tobacco sales; tenancy fraud and the
rights of private tenants.

A dedicated market stall will be on Market Parade, near the café area, on
Wednesday 19 and Friday 21 September, with council staff on hand to give
advice.

Residents can report fraud including; council tax or housing benefit fraud;
fraudulently redirecting money intended for social care; providing false
information in a ‘right to buy’ application or misuse of Blue Badges by
emailing corporatefraudinvestigations@barnsley.gov.uk or calling the fraud
hotline on 0800 138 2940.

Any information provided will be handled sensitively and in confidence.

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