MORE than 3,000 suspected dole cheats from East Lancashire and the surrounding area have been 'shopped' and referred to fraud investigators in the last 18 months.

A free hot-line set up by the Benefits Agency has received 342,000 calls nationwide since it was set up in August 1996.

The people reported to the line included "unemployed" people who were actually earning more than £400 per week.

And there were reports of people using claiming Disability Living Allowance and a mobility car when they appeared to be perfectly fit.

Figures for Central and East Lancashire show that 3,310 suspected benefit forecasters were reported and have had their details passed to investigators.

The agency says public co-operation has been very good, and anyone who thinks they know a benefit cheat should call the hot-line on 0800 854440.

All calls are made in confidence and no details about the caller are taken.

The Government estimates that £4 billion pounds is lost through benefit fraud every year.

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