The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been handed new anti-fraud powers, but a leading expert warns they must be used 'smartly' to avoid undermining public trust. Stuart Morris, Chief Technology Officer at SmartSearch, emphasized that the government's 'test and learn' phase should prioritize accuracy, proportionality, and public confidence in the system.
Focus on Accuracy and Proportionality
Morris stressed that the DWP must ensure its eligibility verification systems can identify genuine fraud without creating unnecessary false positives. This is particularly critical as AI-generated fraud and deepfake documents become more sophisticated. According to research from SmartSearch, 54% of organizations still conduct identity checks manually, while 24% cite AI-generated fraud and deepfakes as their biggest emerging threat.
"The key focus of the 'test and learn' phase should be accuracy, proportionality, and public trust," Morris said. "The DWP needs to test how effectively eligibility verification systems identify genuine fraud without creating unnecessary false positives."
Risk of Public Anxiety
Morris also warned that some claimants could feel anxious about increased monitoring powers, even if they have provided accurate information. "There is a risk that some claimants could feel anxious about the introduction of these powers," he explained, "even when they have provided accurate information, because any system involving increased monitoring or automated checks can create concern if people don't fully understand how decisions are made."
He added that the most effective approach is likely to be "smarter verification rather than simply broader powers."
Recommendations for Smarter Verification
Morris outlined several strategies to improve the system, including greater cross-departmental data matching between the DWP, HMRC, and other public bodies. This could help identify inconsistencies more quickly. He also recommended robust digital identity frameworks to make it harder for fraudsters to exploit the system using false or stolen identities.
"Advanced fraud detection tools, including AI-driven risk analysis and multi-bureau verification, could also improve accuracy while reducing false positives," Morris said.
He also noted that the DWP could achieve significant efficiency gains by automating routine verification checks. "Our Compliance Report found that 68% of compliance professionals waste half their time on automatable tasks. The DWP could achieve significant efficiency gains by automating routine verification checks, freeing up staff to focus on complex cases that require human judgement."
Ultimately, Morris emphasized that the priority should be balancing fraud prevention with fairness, ensuring legitimate claimants are protected while deliberate abuse is targeted more effectively.
