The Benefit Investigation Team are responsible for:

• detection of fraudulent claims
• prevention of fraud occurring
• stopping or reducing benefit in cases of fraud 

The team of professionally trained investigators are empowered to obtain information from financial institutions such as credit card companies and banks as well as Government Departments and other Local Authorities. Information can also be legally sourced from employers, utility companies and internet providers as well as many others.  

It is an offence if a data holder refuses to supply information or if they obstruct an authorised investigator in the course of their duties.

Investigators have many tools they can use to obtain information. Surveillance, computer data matching, joint working with the Department for Works and Pensions and Her Majesty’s Revenues and Customs.

If a case is found to be fraudulent a range of sanctions can be imposed on the claimant:

Administrative Caution

A caution is a warning, which we will use, rather than prosecuting benefit claimants if they have admitted an offence. If a caution is offered, the claimant has the right to refuse. If this happens, the team will report the matter to the Procurator Fiscal which can result in prosecution.

Administrative Penalty

This is a fine used instead of prosecuting fraudulent benefit claimants. If the claimant pays the fine, they will have to pay back the benefit which was falsely claimed, plus an additional 30% of the amount. If the claimant refuses to pay the fine, the team will report the matter to the Procurator Fiscal which can result in prosecution.

Prosecution

More serious cases of suspected fraud are not suitable for administrative caution or penalty and we report these to the Procurator Fiscal for prosecution. If found guilty, this will result in a criminal record.

The Proceeds of Crime Act will be used to recover assets in suitable cases.

Contact(s):
 

East Lothian Council is committed to preventing and detecting fraud but your help is also needed. If you have a suspicion that someone is committing benefit fraud please contact the investigation team:

Fraud Team
East Lothian Council
PO Box 13261
Haddington
EH41 3HA

Telephone:  01620 827148
Email: fraud@eastlothian.gov.uk

Alternatively, you can complete the attached Fraud Referral Form. 

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.