What happens if someone is suspected of benefit fraud?
They may be formally interviewed by Investigators and there are a number of sanctions available to impose on a claimant who is suspected of committing a benefit offence. In some cases an investigation may uncover an overpayment but it is not appropriate to take criminal action, however the overpayment will be recovered in full. We can also impose a range of Sanctions. An Administrative Penalty, which is like a fine, a Local Authority Caution, which is similar to a Police caution and in cases where serious benefit fraud is suspected Prosecution will be considered. These cases are normally heard in a Magistrate’s Court but the more serious cases may be dealt with in a Crown Court.
