Lie detectors to weed out benefit cheats
Updated on 05 April 2007
Lie detector tests are being introduced by the Government to help identify benefit cheats.
Software will be used to help detect changes in an applicant's voice when they call their benefit office to make a claim.
They will be told the voice-risk analysis (VRA) software is being used and if benefit staff assess the caller as suspicious, they may be asked for further evidence to support their claim.
The software, which is already common in the insurance industry, is being used in a pilot scheme in Harrow, north London to help assess housing benefit and council tax claims from May.
And if it is a success, it may be rolled out across the country, Works and Pensions Secretary John Hutton said.
Mr Hutton added: "This technology aims to tackle fraudsters while speeding up claims and improving customer service for the honest majority."
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