Press Release

Fraudweb Day 2002 26th June 2002

Well the experience of organising a one-day seminar, like the one above, can only be compared to a ride on a huge rollercoaster. However for those of you who have never attended a Fraudweb Day, let me tell you what the day contains.

So what themes have previous Fraudweb Day events covered?

Fraudweb Day 2000 covered 'Combating Fraud - Within The 'e'Government Agenda' by examining the virtual e- fraudster.

Fraudweb Day 2001 looked into the areas of 'Combating Fraud - A Joined Up Approach', through examining how and what joint working meant. Which leads me nicely on to this year's event.

Fraudweb Day 2002 was recently held on the 26th June, at the Microsoft Village, Reading with this year's theme being 'Combating Fraud - The Intelligence Led Approach'.

Kathryn Barr MA PhD (a forensic document examiner) from Document Evidence Ltd., provided a very interesting overview of what intelligence/information can be gleaned from all types of documents, and the methods used in this very specialised area of forensic science. Examples such as handwriting, signatures, perforations on paper, paper watermarks, ink stamps and cheques were looked at, and comparisons made for forgeries. Then a plastic blow up rabbit, with a threat message written onto it, was pulled out of a hat (metaphorically not literally). The rabbit had been crucial evidence in a previous case, where it had been used to demonstrate how the writer was identified. Yes, and before you ask, the rabbit did lighten a serious moment.

Next onto the speakers podium was Tim Skittrell. Tim is the Head of Fraud and Intelligence for the United Kingdom Passport Office. His presentation covered a brief history of the passport and what is needed to obtain a bonafide one, or a fraudulent one. (No difference I hear you say, and yes you are right). Tim then went on to explain just how easy it was to obtain a bogus passport provided you had done your homework correctly. This really brought home the problems facing the UK Passport Office in identifying fraudulent passport applications. However Tim then went on to spell out the actions and preventative measures already in place or being put into place. Again this was a very interesting and informative session on a high profile area, which provided much food for thought.

The event's Key Note speech this year, was from the Rt Honourable Professor Steve Webb MP (DWP Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats). Steve's speech passed on his thoughts and views on what is actually wrong with the current welfare benefit system. For instance he made the very valid comment that it is better to design a system that encompasses fraud prevention at an introductory stage rather than the current situation where repeated ongoing fixes are required to plug the holes. (How many times have you heard the phrase, 'we will simplify the system', only to find this makes the system more complicated and hence provides the fraudsters with a greater open charter).

Other issues raised included : -

Incentive schemes- a discussion took place on how local authorities need to be given the incentive to stop fraud in the first place, alongside prosecution, and prevention incentives. His view was that they all go hand in hand and should not be treated in isolation.

Regulatory Powers - He talked about the investigation of crime, and the facilities/ technologies currently in the hands of investigators. Were they joined up enough? Did the right people have access to the data they needed within the realms of their day-to-day jobs and what further steps could be taken? His view was that information should be shared within a fraud prevention remit which is surely in everybody's interest. Obviously these types of questions brought out some very stimulating debates and views from the audience.

Others areas that Steve Webb discussed in his speech were: BFI reports and their findings, for example should one be using the findings in authority 'A' to assist authority 'B. He also discussed the Tax Credit system - will this help to prevent fraud, and what thoughts and pro-active antifraud measures were put in place at the concept of these new schemes?.

Steve stayed for lunch where he was able to meet the delegates and take part in further questions and discussion.

The last speaker of the day was Mike Neumann (Director of ITS Training Services). His presentation started by looking at fraud in general i.e. the current amount, the reduction targets set by the government for 2002 (10%), 2004 (25%) and 2006 (50%). He then continued by examining the whole issue of using data/intelligence to prevent and deter fraud.

Internal and external data-sources were discussed, and then Mike sprang a very import question on the delegates: "Why don't we use and share data?'

He then queried whether it was because we were frightened that we may be found to fall foul of the Data Protection Act, the Human Rights Act or even both?

The next 11 slides of Mike's presentation went on to explain that solutions did exist, and nobody should be frightened off using/sharing data. The key being to ensure that it is done within the law. He covered Data Protection Exclusions, Authorised Officer Powers, Consent, Lawful Authority, PLAN (Proportionate, Lawful, Accountable, Necessary), Internal Policies, and Disclaimers on forms. He finished with the very relevant and important message of:-

'SHARED DATA / INTELLIGENCE = GREATER INTELLIGENCE'.

What a message to finish off a very well received and enjoyable day. If you don't believe me, see for yourself. Visit the www.fraudweb.co.uk site and look at the comments from the delegates themselves. Also if you want to attend next year's event, then please register, and add the site to your favourites. The site is updated on a regular basis, with information relating to the day-to-day workings and environment of the fraud investigator.

Back to Top | Home | Radius Group