Which is worse and why?

[Hettster]

Question in 2 parts Which is worse and why . . .tax evasion or benefit fraud? Please answer both parts thank you

[di2009]

both, u can still go to jail for both or pay back what u stole

[di2009]

also depends if u get caught lol

[dr b]

Society should care about the government's net inflows - outflows. If I don't pay 100 in taxes, or if I steal 100 in benefits, the net effect is the same: net inflows - outflows is reduced by 100. So they are equally bad.

[karenmac60]

I would say tax evasion (sorry Pinki), because it's usually committed by people who can afford to pay it. Benefit fraud is usually committed by people on low incomes, doing a bit of cash in hand work and the like - I'd say they need the money more so it's more forgivable.

[ummmm]

But tax evasion tends to be on a much larger monetary scale.

Benefit fraud...there are so many different types so it's hard to say.

[China Doll]

I don't think you're comparing like with like.

I agree with what karen said though.

[askyourgran]

As karen said: Tax evasion, usually done by people with money, benefits fraud is usually done by people who are in need.

[AB Editor]

Is taking on "cash in hand" work for substantial sums the same as Tax Evasion?

[China Doll]

Yes ed.

Is that how you're planning on paying the moderators then?

[dotty.]

to some a 'substantial sum' could be 50 quid ed,

[sara3]

what about when benefit fraud runs into tens of thousands?

[dotty.]

That's a proessional benefit fraudster that if they weren't there would have you out of a job sara and so don't diss them lol

[McMouse]

Both are wrong and do damage to the economy. Which is worse? Imo it's a matter of scale, the bigger the sum the greater the damage.

[whiskeryron]

I would say benefits fraud if the benefits you are defrauding are for such things as claiming for another house mortgage,expenses to get to the H/P when you have an apartment in London,cleaning out the moat etc.Ron.

[sara3]

fair point, Dot ;o)

but small benefit fraud often snowballs.. overpayments mount up pretty quickly.

[sandyRoe]

Benefit fraudsters generally act out of necessity, tax evaders out of pure greed. Tax evaders should be pilloried.