Benefit fraud means intentionally claiming benefits you are not entitled to, often by providing false information or failing to report changes in circumstances.
It covers all benefits, such as:
*Council Tax Reduction and Single Persons Discount also falls within this umbrella and is investigated similarly*
Benefit fraud is a criminal offence and individuals found guilty can face penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
The most common types of benefit fraud are:
Benefit fraud can be detected through various means, including:
Cross-checking data - Local authorities, the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) and HMRC (HM Revenue & Customs) all share information and cross-check data to identify discrepancies, which includes comparing records with other agencies and organizations.
Information gathering - Fraud investigators may contact third parties such as banks, employers, and other relevant organizations to gather information, which can include obtaining bank statements, employment records, and other relevant documents.
Conducting home visits - Fraud investigators may visit claimants to assess their circumstances and detailed checks on claims may be conducted if there are significant concerns.
Surveillance and monitoring - In some cases, covert surveillance may be used to gather evidence of fraudulent activity and social media accounts may also be monitored to assess a claimant's lifestyle and circumstances.
Evidence gathering and interviews - Evidence is carefully gathered and documented, including photos, videos and other relevant material and interviews are conducted with claimants and anyone else involved in the investigation.
Although there are various means of detecting fraud, one of the most useful sources of information comes from members of the public and their local knowledge.
For confidential advice on the subject of Benefit Fraud, contact the Council's Corporate Fraud Team on 01389738217.
