The Taxpayer Protection Taskforce will be staffed by more than
1,250 HMRC operatives responsible for investigating and
combatting those who have sought to fraudulently claim
taxpayer’s money through schemes such as furlough and the Self
Employment Income Support Scheme.
will announce the UK-wide taskforce as part of a
package of measures to tackle fraud and abuse that will also
include raising awareness of enforcement action in order to
deter criminal activity.
Chancellor of the Exchequer said:
“Our coronavirus support schemes have helped millions of
honest, hard-working people – but a small minority have seen
this pandemic as an opportunity to defraud the taxpayer.
“This will not be tolerated – which is why the new taskforce
will crack down on this criminal activity.”
HMRC already have a rigorous system in place to counteract
fraud, working through payment data, PAYE records, other
information, and reports from the public to identify potential
wrongdoing.
Although the majority of people are using the schemes
correctly, a minority are deliberately abusing the schemes to
make fraudulent claims, HMRC have already opened about 10,000
inquiries into suspected fraudulent activity and have in some
instances begun criminal investigations.
Alongside the taskforce, the Chancellor is expected to announce
measures to further tackle fraud in the Bounce Back Loan
Scheme. This will build on guidance we have already issued to
lenders which has resulted in the prevention of over 42,000
fraudulent or ineligible applications and include action to
prevent and deter rogue company directors from abusing the
scheme.
During the crisis, fraudulent activity has included businesses
furloughing for more people than they employ and claiming
furlough for employees who have continued to work. Other
examples include making substantial Eat Out to Help Out claims
despite furloughing all their staff.
Arrests secured by HMRC so far include the arrest of a West
Midlands man on suspicion of £495,000 furlough fraud.
Notes to editors
