EU Legislation, Initiatives, etc.

DWP: A new whistleblowers' hotline to help catch benefit cheats living it up on the 'Costas' has been launched in Spain. In the first trial of its kind, ex-pats in Alicante who suspect benefit fraud will be able to report their concerns on a local number.  Cases will be passed by the operator to investigators in the UK, who will also be able to draw on the team's on-the-ground intelligence.
 
The cost of benefit fraud committed abroad is an estimated £93m a year and it involves a range of scams such as people on means-tested benefits going abroad but not declaring their absence, an individual working while ‘sick’ and legitimate payments taken over after the rightful recipient dies.
 
The Spanish benefit fraud hotline number is 900 554 440.  It is free & confidential and will initially operate 8am - 4pm, Monday to Friday.  A supporting website has also been launched.
Press release ~ Spanish BF website
How Lambeth Council undertakes effective know your citizen (KYC) / ID checks to prevent fraud