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Benefit fraud

What is benefit fraud?

Benefit fraud is when someone deliberately claims benefits, like Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, which they're not entitled to.

This might be by:

  • lying on their benefit application form
  • not reporting a change in their circumstances

We will recover any benefits paid to someone who deliberately gives us false information, or who does not tell us about a change in their circumstances.

What if I think someone is committing benefit fraud?

You can report someone committing benefit fraud online.

Give as much information as you can about the person you’re reporting. This could include:

  • their name
  • their address
  • the type of fraud you think they're committing

You can also call the Department for Work and Pensions National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440, or write to: NBFH, PO Box 224, Preston, PR1 1GP.

You can make a report anonymously - you do not have to give your name or contact details unless you want to.

Find out what happens when you report someone for benefit fraud.

What if I'm suspected of benefit fraud?

You’ll be contacted by the Department for Work and Pensions, HM Revenue and Customs, the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency, or the council.

Your benefit may be stopped while you're investigated. You'll get a letter telling you about this if it happens.

You may be visited by Fraud Investigation Officers or asked to attend an interview to talk about your claim - this is called an 'interview under caution'.

Find out more about what happens if you're suspected of benefit fraud.