BENEFITS cheats in West Yorkshire, who work for cash-in-hand and expect the taxpayer to fund their Christmas, are being targeted in a new get-tough campaign.
The Targeting Benefit Fraud campaign is being stepped up as Christmas gets closer and some people are tempted to work illegally while claiming benefits.
An advertisement campaign will remind fraudsters that the taxpayer will not pick up the bill for seasonal celebrations paid for with stolen public money.
Warnings will start to appear where they are least expected: in pubs, clubs and shop windows.
People checking the adverts in the window of their local shop for some cash-in-hand work will find a stark warning on one of the cards - a mock advert designed to catch the eye of anyone considering benefit fraud to fund their festivities.
It asks "Do you want to earn £££s and still sign on?"
It ends with the message that the only thing benefit fraud will earn the cheat is a criminal record.
Illegal signing-on cost the Yorkshire region £67m last year.
