Every year, it is estimated that benefit cheats cost £1.1 billion in stolen benefits in the UK. They are stealing money from people who need it, and you can help to prevent it. All benefit theft is a crime.
When we catch a person who has committed benefit fraud, they may face a criminal record, prosecution, a fine or even a prison sentence.
You can view the current 'Targeting Benefit Thieves' campaign below. To find out more about Benefit Fraud, you can download our Fraud Awareness Leaflet (PDF, 1.32MB)|.
During 2010/11 in the Falkirk Council area, our investigators caught 40 benefit cheats claiming Housing and Council Tax Benefit that they were not entitled to.
We are targeting benefit thieves in your area and when we catch them they will face a full range of penalties.
From April 2010, we can also remove their right to continue to receive benefit payments for a four week period if they commit a first offence for benefit fraud. Repeat offenders can face a loss of ongoing benefit for up to 13 weeks.
Nation Fraud Campaign Video
If you have knowledge of someone who is committing fraud and want to report the matter, you can do so by either completing an online fraud referral form, by phoning the dedicated fraud hotline on 01324 501282, or by writing to:
Investigation Team
Falkirk Council
PO Box 14905
5 York Lane
Grangemouth
FK3 8ZA
You do not need to give your name, but it may help with the investigation if we need to contact you for further information. If requested, your anonymity will be respected.
Your co-operation in helping us to tackle fraud is appreciated. Falkirk Council is registered under the Data Protection Act.