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Benefit Fraud

Benefit fraud is a crime.

Deliberately withholding information that affects your claim is stealing. Central Bedfordshire Council takes benefit theft very seriously. Although the vast majority of people who claim benefits are honest, those who steal benefits are stealing from you.

What does Central Bedfordshire Council do about it?

We are committed to stamping out fraud within Central Bedfordshire.  We are also committed to the protection of public funds.  We have a dedicated team of professional Investigation Officers who prevent, detect and deter fraud.  Much of this work is in response to information from the public.

Our Investigations Officers work closely with the Department for Work and Pensions, Bedfordshire Police and other enforcement agencies.  We will take legal action in cases where there is clear evidence of benefit fraud. The team's message is simple: All benefit fraud is a crime, and those found breaking the law face a criminal record.

How can you help?

We need help from you in identifying and catching benefit fraudsters - remember, its your money they are stealing.

If you know someone who is claiming benefit when they shouldn't be, contact us! Our confidential telephone hotline is open 24 hours a day. The details of this, and all the other ways you can contact us, are below.

Always remember that the more information we have at the start of an investigation, the better we are able to investigate. A few extra details can make the difference between a person not being investigated because of lack of information, and being successfully prosecuted.

Any information provided will be kept in the strictest confidence.

Contact details for the Fraud Investigation team: