Report a Benefit Cheat

If you suspect someone is claiming benefits to which they may not be entitled, please tell us about it. You can do this in a number of ways, and you do not have to give your name.

By phone - Please ring 0161 770 4969. If you would like to report someone who resides outside the Oldham area, please ring 0800 328 6340. When calling please give as much detail as possible, no matter how trivial you think it may be. The more information you give us, the better chance we have of a successful investigation

By letter - If you choose this method, please address your letter to:

HB Counter Fraud Team
Room 407
Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council
Civic Centre
Oldham
OL1 1UH

By e-mail - Our e-mail address is investigations@oldham.gov.uk

What happens to your report?

• We look at every report we receive.
• First of all we decide if there is enough information to start an investigation.
• We gather additional information about the suspect from a wide range of sources, such as utility companies, banks and building societies.
• The Benefit Counter Fraud Team then investigates and establishes the facts. Where appropriate they take action - including the withdrawal of benefits or starting a criminal prosecution.
• All this can take time.
• If the investigators believe that the person has committed an offence then that person will be invited to attend a formal interview under caution.
• Unfortunately we cannot comment on cases under investigation. So if you report someone we will not be able to update you on how the investigation is proceeding

Copyright © Oldham Council, All rights reserved. Legal information
Oldham Council, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham, OL1 1UT.
Telephone 0161 770 3000