Report a Benefit Cheat
If you suspect someone is claiming Benefits to which they may
not be entitled, please tell us about it. The information you
provide can remain anonymous.
Guidance on reporting Benefit Fraud
When reporting a suspected fraud, providing as much information
as possible, no matter how trivial you think it may be, gives us a
better chance of a successful investigation.
Information about the person you are reporting should
include:-
- A description - height, build, hair colour/style and any
distinguishing features
- Do they own a vehicle? Make, colour, vehicle registration.
Where is it kept (this information helps if we have to carry out
any surveillance)?
- If they are working, where do they work? What time do they
leave for, and return home from, work? What days do they work
on?
- How do they get to work? Their own vehicle, are they collected,
do they walk, catch the bus, cycle, etc.?
- If they are collected, who picks them up and in what kind of
vehicle?
- Do they wear a uniform to work? How long have they been
working?
- Do they have undeclared savings? How much do they have?
- Do you know where their savings are held e.g. bank, building
society, etc.?
If you suspect someone is living with the claimant and they
haven't told us, we need to know things like:
- The name of the person living with the claimant.
- What is their relationship to the claimant e.g. living
together, lodger, etc.?
- How long have they been living with the claimant?
- Do you know if they are working (see above for examples of
information relating to work)?
- What personal information can you provide about them (see above
for examples of information relating to description, finances
etc)?
Please tell us how you know the information
What happens when Benefit Fraud is
reported
We look at every report we receive, we will then;
- Decide if there is enough information to start an
investigation.
- Gather additional information about the suspect from a wide
range of sources, such as utility companies, banks and building
societies.
- The Fraud Investigation Team will then investigate and
establish the facts.
- Where appropriate, action will be taken - including the
withdrawal of benefits or starting a criminal prosecution.
If the investigators believe that the person has committed an
offence then that person will be invited to attend a formal
interview under caution.
Unfortunately we cannot comment on cases under investigation. So
if you report someone we will not be able to update you on how the
investigation is proceeding
