The DWP is cracking down on benefit fraud (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The Department for Work and Pensions has launched a huge crackdown on benefit fraud . And it could even contact a suspect's family members as part of its investigations.

Alongside bank account checks, benefit claimants can expect family members to be contacted. A DWP spokesperson said: "Our information gathering powers have been in place for many years and are only used where there is a suspicion of fraud.

"This measure will modernise those powers, bringing them into the 21st century and expanding them to include all types of DWP-led investigations." With the new measures, the DWP can contact "any relevant third-party information holder" unless the information is exempt. This comes as the DWP gave an upd

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