Taxman closes website after DWP staff targeted...
By Andy McCue
Published: 2 December 2005 15:35 GMT
Criminals have stolen the identities of 1,500 Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) staff and used them to make fraudulent claims on the government's tax credits website.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has been forced to close the tax credit e-portal down while it develops new checks to ensure the system is secure.
The fraud came to light during compliance checks by HMRC and a criminal investigation is now underway into how the 1,500 DWP staff had their identities stolen.
A spokeswoman for the DWP said "all options" are being investigated when asked if insiders were involved in the scam.
The DWP and HMRC said they are carrying out an in-depth investigation into how the fraud happened and to identify and correct the records affected.
A spokeswoman for HMRC said: "We take fraud very seriously and we have taken swift action. We are looking to reinstate the e-portal as soon as possible."
HMRC is also setting up a helpline for any DWP staff who think they might be victims of the tax credit fraud.
.... and they expect us to trust them over the sec...
Ruth
And I suppose this will be the next thing that wil...
Simon
Well, well, well, what a non-surprise.
As it has ...
Anonymous
i work for the dwp and know many staff in my offic...
a.non
I'm affected, as are hundreds of my colleagues in ...
Anonymous
DUTIES: Ensure that each network analyst is aware of their duties and their responsibilities Be responsible ...
Demonstrable accuracy and attention to detailDue to the nature of our business all successful candidates will be subject to Criminal Records and ...
Works with the Team Lead to ensure appropriate action is taken on findings from site audits / checks Understands Protocol with regard to Accident and ...
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