Reporting fraud

Reporting fraud

Across the country, billions of taxpayers’ money is lost due to fraud every year.

Fraud has been committed when someone does not tell us the truth about their circumstances, falsifies documentation for personal gain or to cause loss to others. It is a criminal offence.

If you suspect fraud has been committed you should report it to the relevant body listed below. We have a zero tolerance of fraud:

• Benefits: Benefit fraud should be reported to the Department for Work and Pensions.
• Corporate: Contractors or staff committing fraud should be reported to our Report Fraud Hotline or by emailing [email protected]. More information can be found in our whistleblowing policy
• Council tax or business rates: This can include fraudulent claiming of discounts or relief and should be reported to our Report Fraud Hotline or by emailing [email protected]
• Electoral: This should be reported to the police on their non-emergency number (101) as quickly as possible
• Housing or tenancy: This can include subletting or abandonment of council homes, or fraudulent applications and should be reported to our Report Fraud Hotline or by emailing [email protected]
• Cybercrime: This should be reported to Action Fraud.

If you're unsure where to report fraud, please contact [email protected].

Take Five offers advice on how to avoid fraud.

Last updated 09 November 2023