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Benefits Fraud

Please use the links below to jump to the section you wish to view, or scroll down this page to view the sections in order.

Benefits Fraud
Anti Fraud Team
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you help us
The Information We need
Contact Details

Benefits Fraud

It has been shown from research that most people do not realise the level of benefit fraud that is committed nationally and many people see it as a victimless crime. However, it is estimated that £2 billion a year is lost through people claiming money they are not entitled to. That is the equivalent of £80.00 for every household in Britain.

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are public funds and the Borough for the Council of Oswestry has a responsibility to safeguard these funds and make sure the right people get the right benefit. The benefit system relies on the integrity of our customers and fortunately most people are honest. There is, however, a small minority who make fraudulent claims for benefit or who do not inform us of changes in their circumstance that would affect the amount of benefit they receive

Anti Fraud Team

The Council's Anti - Fraud Team is a small, dedicated unit who are determined to detect and stamp out fraud wherever possible. Their job is to find out whether fraud has occurred by scrutinising claims and information received, making comparisons, interviewing claimants and in some cases, carrying out detailed investigations.

• View the Fraud Policy

How can you help us?

If you are aware or suspect that a benefit fraud is being committed, please contact Oswestry Borough Council Fraud unit.  We will treat your information with the utmost confidentiality and will assure you that your identity will not be divulged.  Although we would prefer to have your details so that we can follow up any information that you give us, this is not essential. Many anonymous tip-offs have resulted in successful prosecutions, but our main aim is to put an end to the abuse.

The Information We need

The name (if known ) of the person or persons that you are reporting.

The address at which the alleged fraud may be taking place.

Why you suspect that a fraud is taking place and any other information that would help us to make enquiries.

If the person is working, do you know who the employer is.

If you would like to report a suspected fraud, please contact us.

Contact Details

The confidential telephone number of our Investigations team is (01691)- 677374, available 24 hours a day (answered by office staff 9am to 5pm, with an answering service at other times).

Alternatively you can speak personally to a member of the Benefit Fraud Unit on the following numbers:

Anti Fraud Unit Manager and Investigator:
01691 677358

Fraud Investigator / Investigation Assistant:
01691 677303

Investigations Assistant:
01691 - 677355

An 0800 free phone number:
0800 854 440

Textphone: 0800 328 6341

Report a benefit cheat by emailing us at fraudunit@oswestry-bc.gov.uk

Or by post to:
Oswestry Borough Council
Anti-Fraud Section,
Castle View,
Oswestry,
Shropshire.
SY11 1JR

A PO Box number for referrals to be sent by post:

PO Box no.647
Preston
PR1 1WA