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Public Misconceptions: Crime, Fraud, and Immigration Statistics Revealed

10/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Royal Statistical Society (RSS) and King's College London (KCL) report widespread public misconceptions about crime, benefit fraud, and immigration.
Ipsos Mori conducted the survey of 1,015 individuals to quantify these beliefs.
People overestimate benefit fraud at £24 per £100, while the actual figure is 70 pence.
The public believes 31% are recent immigrants, compared with the actual 13%.
Experts call for improved media reporting and statistical education.

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Story summary

The Royal Statistical Society (RSS) and King's College London (KCL) report widespread public misconceptions about crime, benefit fraud, and immigration.
Ipsos Mori conducted the survey of 1,015 individuals to quantify these beliefs.
People overestimate benefit fraud at £24 per £100, while the actual figure is 70 pence.
The public believes 31% are recent immigrants, compared with the actual 13%.
Experts call for improved media reporting and statistical education.