Lie detectors for benefits claimants

LONDON (Reuters) - Benefit claimants will face lie detector tests over the phone for the first time in an attempt to crack down on fraud, the government said on Thursday.

Computers will check for small changes in a caller's voice that can be a sign of stress caused by telling lies.

Insurance companies have used "voice-risk analysis" to weed out false claims for several years.

"The vast majority of people who receive benefits are genuinely entitled to them," said Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton. "However, there is a minority who are intent on stealing money from those who need it most.

"This technology aims to tackle these fraudsters while speeding up claims and improving customer service for the honest majority.

"The introduction of this cutting edge technology will be another weapon in the battle against benefit fraud."

Fraud cost the Department for Work and Pensions an estimated 700 million pounds in 2005-2006.

The department pays out more than 110 billion pounds a year and is in charge of job centres, pensions, disability payments and child support.

The technology will be piloted in north London before being used across the country.