Report fraud and scams
What is fraud
Fraud is committed when someone does not tell us the truth about their circumstances. It is not a victimless crime; it is theft from members of the public and is a criminal offence.
Every year across the country, billions of taxpayers’ money is lost due to fraud. The National Fraud Office suggests that the full extent of public sector losses is unknown, since much fraud is hidden, difficult to find or remains unreported.
Report fraud
You can help to ensure that all our spending goes on delivering and improving public services by reporting those you suspect have committed fraud against us.
You can find out how to report the different types of fraud below. We have a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and take any allegations very seriously, when we get a report in we will investigate the incident and stop those committing the offence.
If you are unsure where to raise a concern, please contact reportfraud@melton.gov.uk.
Benefit fraud should be reported to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
What is Corporate Fraud
Corporate fraud is when contractors or employees of the council commit fraud.
Report Corporate Fraud
This should be reported to our Report Fraud Hotline.
More information can be found in our Whistle-blowing Policy.
What is Council Tax fraud
Council Tax fraud is when a person deliberately gives incorrect or misleading information in order to pay less or no council tax. Council tax fraud could be when a person claims to live in a single-person household when more than one person lives there, or they might claim to be a student when they are not.
How does the council tackle Council Tax Fraud
Our teams regularly check discount claims, and we take part in annual data matching. Those found guilty of Council Tax fraud will be required to pay it back, plus for serious cases may receive a financial penalty or a criminal conviction.
Report Council tax fraud
Council Tax or Business rates fraud should be reported to our Report Fraud Hotline.
Electoral fraud should be reported to the police on their non-emergency number (101) as quickly as possible.
What is Housing Fraud
Housing fraud includes not telling the truth when applying for social housing - for example claiming to have children when you do not, sub-letting a property, or living in a property after someone has died without the right to do so.
How do we tackle Housing Fraud
Our teams work to investigate fraudulent housing applications and tenancy fraud. Every property recovered can be given to someone on the waiting list, reduce the number of people in temporary accommodation and save the council money.
Report Housing Fraud
Housing and Tenancy Fraud should be reported to our Report Fraud Hotline.
How we tackle fraud
Everyone can play a part in fighting fraud. We have a zero-tolerance approach to fraud. As well as investigating reports of fraud we also take in the National Fraud Initiative.
This is an exercise that matches electronic data within and between over a thousand public and private sector bodies to prevent and detect fraud. We investigate these matches and take action on any fraudulent activity.
Be Scam Aware
Anyone can be a victim of fraud or scams. They can come in many forms and can look very sophisticated and real, making it hard to tell the genuine from the fake. We would also encourage everyone to do what they can to protect themselves and others from fraud.
If you are unsure whether something is genuine, the best thing to do is to contact the organisation directly via a trusted source, including:
- a known email
- a known phone number (such as the one on the back of your bank card)
- their official website.
Do not respond by using unrecognised email addresses, phone numbers or links sent to you.
There are a number of useful websites and materials online which provide information and advice on a wide variety of scams.
- Friends Against Scams have lots of information to help you understand cybercrime and fraud
- Take Five to Stop Fraud provides some helpful advice and guidance on being alert to the risks that fraud poses to individuals and businesses
- Action Fraud have some top tips to help protect yourself from fraud
- National Crime Agency have information on the different types of fraud and how you can report fraud
Complete free online training and activities (Friends Against Scams)
Report scams
If you’ve been the victim of a scam, fraud or online crime (cybercrime) you can report it to Action Fraud.
You can do this online (using the reporting button below) or by calling 0300 123 2040 (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm).
Action Fraud is the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. It collects reports about fraud on behalf of the police in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.