Benefit Fraud What is Benefit Fraud?

Benefit fraud is when a person:
  • deliberately provides false information
  • deliberately withholds information
  • allows someone else to provide false information in order to obtain Benefits they are not entitled to


Why investigate?

  • to save taxpayers money
  • deter other people from committing fraud
  • take proceedings against those who commit an offence


Types of Benefit Fraud

  • undeclared partner
  • collusive separation
  • partner provides false evidence that claimant has left the property and claims benefit as a single person
  • undeclared earnings/income
  • undisclosed work, private pension etc
  • undisclosed state benefits
  • undeclared capital
  • undisclosed bank accounts, stocks or shares etc
  • failure to declare a second property
  • tenancy fraud
  • landlord is a relative
  • landlord does not exist
  • claim made by an owner
  • customer is not resident at the property


How can I report a suspected fraud?

  • inform the investigations team as soon as possible
  • provide as much information as possible, car registrations, descriptions, employer details, alleged partner details, times in and out of the property etc are all vital pieces of information which will help validate an allegation
  • you can tell about an alleged fraud without telling us who you are
  • information should be sent to the Benefits Investigations Team at Marmion House, telephone number 709525/541
  • All information will be treated in confidence


Action on receipt
On receipt of information the Investigations Team will decide the priority given to the case. This will depend on:

  • the quality of information provided
  • available evidence
  • cost effectiveness
  • Data Protection


Report a Cheat
To report someone you believe may be committing Benefit fraud, you can also contact The National Benefit Fraud Office online at:

https://secure.dwp.gov.uk/benefitfraud    

or phone The National Benefit Fraud Hotline in confidence on 0800 328 6340

using a textphone dial 0800 328 6341

or you can write to

PO BOX No. 647
Preston
PR1 1WA

All calls and information will be treated in confidence

Under the Data Protection Act the Investigations Team are unable to provide feedback on information provided.