NHS Scotland Counter Fraud Services has used a successful mainstream media campaign to raise staff and public awareness about the threats from fraud.

An initiative to reduce fraud and error in dental patient Tax Credit exemption claims – potentially saving more than £3 million per year – featured in a recent BBC ‘Saints and Scroungers’ TV programme and attracted national, local and specialist press interest.

The campaign highlights the need for patients to have a valid Tax Credit exemption certificate at the time of their treatment.

Fraser Paterson, National Fraud Prevention Manager, for Counter Fraud Services said: “If you hold a valid certificate then you’re entitled to receive free treatment, if you don’t you’re not – it’s as simple as that.  When you think that every fourth person who claimed under this category last year wasn’t entitled to do so, you can understand why reducing this type of misclaiming is so important”.

A recent Channel 5 programme highlighted the issue of employees fraudulently claiming to be unfit to work.

Fraser said: “People who defraud the NHS hurt all of us, because it’s our money that funds it and it’s us who rely on it being there when we need it.”