Benefit Fraud

Every year false benefit claims cost the country millions of pounds - money that could be better spent on public services for everyone. We have a special team which looks into suspect benefit claims.

Help us beat the benefit cheats

Do you know someone who is cheating the system? Contact us and your call will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Benefit fraud

1. Housing Benefit and Council Tax reductions help people on low incomes to pay their rent and council tax.
2. A small minority claim benefit when they are not entitled.
3. These people are costing the country millions of pounds each year.

Who are the benefit cheats?

1. Benefit cheats are people who deliberately try to claim benefits they are not entitled to by giving false information or not telling us when things change.
2. They should not be confused with people who make a genuine mistake when applying for benefit.
3. People who deliberately claim benefit when they are not entitled are committing a criminal offence.

How are we tackling benefit cheats?

1. All information supplied by people applying for benefit is checked.
2. Information given to support a benefit claim may be shared with other agencies.
3. Our benefit investigation team will look into all suspect benefit claims.
4. We will prosecute benefit cheats and recover any over payment of benefit.

How you can help us?

You can help make sure we pay the right benefit to those who need it.

If you claim benefits you can help us by telling us about any change in your circumstances so we can ensure you are paid correctly.

If there is someone you think may be claiming benefits they are not entitled to then contact our Benefit Fraudline on 01865 252222 or report it using our online Benefit fraud form.

Report Benefit fraud 

Your report will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Page last updated 27 March 2013