Fraud referral procedures

Benefit fraud

Benefit fraud costs the country billions of pounds each year.

Benefit fraud is when people claim benefit – including housing benefit and council tax benefit by giving false information or not telling the council promptly of a change in their circumstances.

Examples of benefit fraud are

• People who work but do not declare this
• People who claim as a single person but live with their partner or non dependant
• People who do not declare their full amount of income, earnings, capital or ownership of another property when they claim benefit
• People claiming from an address they do not live at
• People who do not promptly advise of a change of circumstances

If you suspect someone is committing benefit fraud please complete an electronic fraud referral form, this will be forwarded to the benefit investigation team.

When completing the form it is important that you give as much information as possible, this could include descriptions of person(s) if they have any distinguishing features or "look like" a famous person. Any types of vehicles involved the colour make and registration number. Details of employer(s) names and addresses, how they dress e.g. do they wear a uniform –describe the uniform. Times they leave the house times they return to their house and the type of fraud you suspect they are committing and why you suspect this.

If you need any more advice on what information may be useful please contact the benefit investigation team tel 0161 603 4124 or email benefit.investigations@salford.gov.uk

This page was last updated on 3 October 2009