Fraud - What happens if I report someone I think is cheating the benefit system?

There are many reasons why someone decides to report an allegation of benefit fraud and it is important that people continue to do so. All allegations are treated with the strictest confidence and can also be made anonymously. Making an allegation can for some be a very difficult thing to do. Just remember this is not a victimless crime, in a lot of cases it is theft from the public purse. Money that could far better be spent on public services.

What information do you need?

If you do decide to make an allegation please try to remember to give us as much information as possible. For example if you think someone is working and you think you know where, please tell us. If you think someone has a boyfriend / partner living with them and you know his/her name, please tell us. If you think there is a number of things someone has failed to declare then tell us them all. The more we know the better we can check to make sure that benefit is paid correctly.

All allegations of benefit fraud are initially looked into by the Investigation team, at East Hampshire District Council, irrespective of where the allegation has come from. This does not mean that all allegations are investigated. Allegations can sometimes be malicious or the information being alleged is already declared. East Hampshire District Council’s referral process will identify the cases that merit an investigation. It is important to remember that a person is innocent until proved guilty and the fact that someone maybe being investigated does not make them guilty.

Once you have made an allegation this is usually the only contact you will have about it. You will not be informed whether the case is being investigated or of the outcome of any investigation. The investigation is confidential.

So in summary remember:

Benefit fraud is a crime;
Don’t feel bad about making an allegation;
A case will not be investigated unless there is merit in doing so;
A person is innocent until proved otherwise;
And all allegations and investigations are CONFIDENTIAL