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How to Report Benefit Fraud

Be tough on fraud

If you think someone is or may be committing benefit Fraud by claiming benefits they have no legitimate entitlement to, you can contact us via either of the following methods:

Persons may be committing benefit Fraud if they:

  • Are in employment, but fail to declare their working status.
  • Declare they live alone, when others are residing within their household.
  • Fail to declare their actual income, including savings and capital.
  • Claim benefits at a residential address where they do not reside.

When submitting a referral or contacting us directly, please provide as much information as possible, which will help facilitate any enquiries or investigation we undertake thereafter, which can include:

  • Name(s) and any detailed descriptions of the person(s) you are reporting.
  • Details of the Fraud they are suspected of committing/committed.
  • How long the Fraud has been ongoing for.
  • The address (location) in which it is/has taken place.
  • Any other details deemed to be of relevance e.g. where the person(s) work, what they drive, where they frequent, their associates etc.

Any information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence and the option exists to remain anonymous in the submission of any referral/report, however it may assist our enquiries/investigation if you do provide your details, should there be a requirement to obtain additional information or seek clarity on what has been reported.

Report all other fraud

You can also report any other type of fraud completing the Fraud Referral Form.

Are you committing benefit fraud? 

If you receive benefit to which you are not entitled you may have to repay any amounts that are overpaid, therefore to avoid an overpayment occurring you should notify the Council immediately about any changes in your circumstances. 

If you fail to tell us about anything that might affect your entitlement to benefit or make a false declaration on an application form, you may be committing benefit fraud, which is a criminal offence and could result in prosecution. 

If a fraud has been committed it is likely that it will be discovered and the appropriate action taken.