Benefit fraud is committed by either:
- Intentionally not reporting a change in your circumstances
- Being dishonest in order to get benefits
Reporting a fraud
The Department for Work and Pensions is responsible for investigating all housing benefit fraud.
If you suspect some-one of benefit fraud you can:
- Complete this form
- phone the National Fraud Hotline on 0800 854440 (textphone 0800 320 0512). Your call is free and confidential and you do not have to give your name or address. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8.00am to 6.00pm
The following advice is taken from the Department for Work and Pensions own website:
What happens if you’re suspected of fraud
- You’ll be contacted by the Department for Work and Pensions, HM Revenue and Customs, the Service and Personnel and Veterans Agency or your local authority if you’re suspected of fraud.
- You may be visited by Fraud Investigation Officers (FIOs) or asked to attend an interview to talk about your claim.
- Your benefit may be stopped while you’re investigated. You’ll get a letter telling you about this if it happens.
- FIOs will gather facts about your case and decide whether to take further action.
What happens after a benefit fraud investigation
If there’s evidence you’ve committed fraud, you’ll be told to pay back the overpaid money. One or more of the following may also happen:
- you may be taken to court or asked to pay a penalty (between £350 and £5,000)
- your benefits may be reduced or stopped
Being found guilty of fraud is a criminal offence and every fraud committed results in a loss from the public purse.
Reporting Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) Fraud or other Fraud
If you think that someone is committing fraud relating Local Council Tax support please contact us using this form.