Fraud is the most common offence in the UK, accounting for 41% of all crime. It is estimated that fraud and error cost the taxpayer as much as £81 billion each year.
Report fraud
If you're aware of fraud happening, or you suspect someone is committing fraud against us:
- report it to Veritau immediately on 0800 9179 247 or fraud@york.gov.uk
- all reports of fraud received will be looked into
- you can report fraud anonymously, if you wish
Veritau's work to prevent fraud
Our anti-fraud team, Veritau investigates all types of fraud committed against us, including:
- council tax and business rate fraud
- housing fraud
- social care fraud
- blue badge/parking permit fraud
- benefit fraud (excluding Housing Benefit, which is investigated by the Department for Work and Pensions)
- social care fraud
- fraudulent applications for school placement
Fraud prevention and data matching exercises
We carry out regular checks to protect ourselves against fraud, such as checking whether people’s circumstances have changed, and whether that means they should no longer be claiming benefits.
Our 'data matching' exercises (which involve comparing computer records held by different organisations) include the National Fraud Initiative, and other national, regional and local exercises. Where necessary, we also share information with the Department for Work and Pensions, other councils and relevant organisations, in order to prevent and detect fraud.