Both napping and working have become increasingly common, according to Försäkringskassan.
But grant fraud is estimated to cost SEK 800 million each year – and now tougher controls are being introduced in search of the cheaters.
– The consequences can be anything from having to pay back, of course, to getting a prison sentence, says Peter Fausö, head of control operations at the authority.
The fear of parents of young children has become a gold mine.
More and more Swedes vacate even though they go to work, according to the Social Insurance Agency. Something that means double income – but also costs taxpayers dearly.
Vab fraud is estimated to cost around SEK 800 million each year. Now the authority is responding with extra checks during the autumn.
– We look at cases where we suspect that something is not right. Then we start a survey. And if we see that it is not correct, we also investigate further back in time, so we do a thorough mapping of the person’s handling of the VAB benefit, says Peter Fausö, head of the Swedish Social Insurance Agency’s control operations.
Can lead to jail time
The authority will also contact employers, preschools and schools in search of VAB cheaters. For those who get caught, a repayment claim awaits. But it can also have more serious consequences than that.
– Everything from having to pay back, of course, to getting a prison sentence, depending on how serious the crime is, says Peter Fausö.
Försäkringskassan emphasizes that the systems must be used correctly in order to function. Increased cheating comes with several risks, says Peter Fausö.
– If we as citizens do not use our systems correctly, the risk is that they will deteriorate and that it will be more difficult to get compensation. We don’t want that. We want it to be simple, robust systems.
“Thinks that people should do the right thing for themselves”
And among the Swedes there are several who are positive about stricter controls.
– I think people should do the right thing for themselves, says Krister Zetterlund.
And he gets the support of Daniel Hedström.
– If it is a big problem, it is good that the controls are strengthened.