Example Cases
These are real case we have investigated because people made the effort to report suspected benefit cheats.
Claimant A
Claimant A failed to inform the authorities that a partner had moved in with her.
Following a joint investigation with the DWP, Mr S was found to be her partner and to have been in full time work between may 2000 and May 2002. Claimant A had been overpaid £12,000 in DWP benefits and £4,500 in Council benefits. Claimant A pleaded guilty in court and received 100 hours community service and £50 costs.
Claimant B
Claimant B failed to tell us about his savings and the income that he received.
A member of the public told the Benefit Fraud Team and the claimant was investigated.
A member of the public told the Benefit Fraud Team and the claimant was investigated.
He was prosecuted and was ordered to pay court costs, given a conditional discharge and forced to repay the overpaid benefit.
Both of the Claimants in the examples shown above have to repay all the money they have stolen from us.
They also have a criminal record.
If you think someone is getting Housing and Council Tax Benefit they are not entitled to please tell us. You can report a Benefit Cheat by phoning our Investigation hotline on 0800 083 7060 You can talk to a member of staff between 8.00 am and 5.00 pm Monday to Friday If you ring outside these hours you can leave a message on our 24-hour answer phone.
The service is strictly confidential and you do not have to give your name.
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