Benefit fraud covers a wide variety of circumstances. Cases may involve allegations that you have failed to disclose that you are working, or living with someone, or have savings, or more serious deliberate wrongdoing such as multiple claims or the use of false identities. The amounts involved range from trivial sums up to hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Many benefit fraud cases end at the investigation stage, with no further action taken, or an administrative penalty offered. However, a significant number result in prosecution, at the Magistrates' Court or the Crown Court, for specific benefit offences or charges of theft, fraud or conspiracy.

As well as a fine or prison, a conviction for benefit fraud can lead to proceedings for compensation of confiscation of the proceeds of the crime.

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More about organised crime

More about fraud and dishonesty