Those seeking social welfare benefits in the UK would be wise to tell the truth as the British government plans to use lie detectors for some incoming phone calls.
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced it will start using the 'voice-risk analysis' to crack down on benefits fraud.
Insurance companies have used the technology to weed out false claims for several years. Computers will check for small changes in a caller's voice that can be a sign of stress caused by telling lies.
'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.'
Fraud cost the UK department an estimated €1bn in 2005-2006. The technology will be piloted in north London before being used across the UK.
