Benefit fraud is when a person: Deliberately provides false information, deliberately withholds information, allows someone else to provide false information in order to obtain Benefits they are not entitled to.

Why investigate?

• To save taxpayers money, deter other people from committing fraud, take proceedings against those who commit an offence.

Types of Benefit Fraud

• Undeclared partner, collusive separation, partner provides false evidence that claimant has left the property and claims benefit as a single person
• Undeclared earnings/income, undisclosed work, private pension, undisclosed state benefits, undeclared capital or bank accounts, stocks or shares
• Not declaring a second property, tenancy fraud, landlord is a relative, claim made by an owner, person is not resident at the property

How can I report a suspected benefit fraud?

You can report suspected Housing Benefit fraud in three ways:

1. Online at: www.gov.uk/report-benefit-fraud
2. By telephone: Contact the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440. Your call is free and confidential you do not have to give your name or address. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8.00am to 6.00pm. If you have speech or hearing problems you can use a text phone service on 0800 328 0512.
3. By Post: NBFH, PO Box 224, Preston PR1 1GP

Report a housing cheat

• Report housing cheats online: To report people who are subletting, have abandoned their property or taken a property not in their name
• Contact: Tamworth Borough Council's Corporate Anti-Fraud Officer: Tel: 709541.
• All calls and information will be treated in confidence. Under the Data Protection Act the Corporate Anti-Fraud Officer is unable to provide feedback on information provided