Reporting fraud & economic crimes

Fraud and other economic crimes – such as theft, bribery, corruption and money laundering – cost the UK taxpayer billions of pounds each year.

If you suspect someone is committing fraud, report it.

Benefit fraud

Benefit fraud cases are investigated by the government's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Contact the DWP if you suspect someone is committing benefit fraud:

GOV.UK: Report benefit fraud

Other types of fraud

There are several types of fraud and economic crime that affect council services. You should let us know if you suspect someone is committing any of the following:

• housing tenancy fraud
• council tax fraud
• business rates fraud
• Blue Badge fraud for disabled parking
• social care fraud
• insurance fraud
• council employee and contractor fraud, bribery or corruption
• money laundering

We take action against anyone who commits these types of crime against us.

Report anonymously

Report fraud – other than benefit fraud

Any report of fraud or economic crime against us will be taken extremely seriously.

 

Scams

You should always be alert for scams and attempted fraud. This might appear as:

• a text message from someone pretending to be the Council or other organisation
• an email appearing to be from the Council or an authority figure
• a letter appearing to be from the Council or other organisation

These scams will usually ask you to click a link or contain a warning or threat designed to pressure you to complete an action for the scammer.

If you've been sent something by someone claiming to be Castle Point Borough Council or not you're unsure whether something is legitimate, please Contact us with details of where the message came from and any screenshots or photos if possible.