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Benefits fraud

Introduction

Do you know of anyone committing benefit fraud?

If they are claiming Housing or Council Tax Benefit fraudulently and you want to report it you can either:

• Telephone the Fraud Hotline on freephone 0800 169 7451.
• Telephone the Investigations Team direct on 01422 393566.
• Visit Calderdale Council’s Benefits Assessment Unit at Princess Buildings in Halifax.
• Complete the Report benefits fraud form.

You do not have to provide your name and address, unless you wish to do so. The more information that you can provide the more likely that the fraud can be detected. Some of the things that would assist any investigation:

• Names of all the people in the household.
• Descriptions of the persons involved, including any potential violent behaviour.
• Registration number and descriptions of any vehicles used.
• Employer's name and address, and if that employer is aware that benefit fraud is being committed.
• The time a person may leave and return home from work.
• Any alibi that may be given by the person committing fraud.
• How long the fraud has been going on.

This list is not exhaustive.

When this information is received, the officers employed by the Council for investigating fraud will look into the matter and take appropriate action. If it is found that they are claiming benefit fraudulently, their benefit will be cancelled and any overpayment will be recovered. We may also decide to take legal action.

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