Fraud against the council costs public money and affects the services we provide. You can help by reporting any fraud you know about or suspect.
We treat all reports in confidence.
Types of fraud you can report
Council Tax fraud
Examples include:
- Claiming a single person discount when other adults live at the property
- Claiming the property is empty when it is occupied
- Claiming a student exemption when the property is not solely occupied by students
Council Tax Support fraud
Examples include:
- Not reporting changes in income, savings, or household members
- Moving out of a property and not telling us
Business Rates fraud and COVID-19 support grant fraud
Examples include:
- Providing false information to claim rate relief
- Submitting fake leases
- Not telling us when a business moves in or out of a property
- Claiming a grant you’re not entitled to
Social care fraud
Examples include:
- Claiming for care you don’t need
- Misusing money meant for care
- Keeping money intended to pay a carer
- Giving false information about income or savings
Blue Badge fraud
Examples include:
- Using a Blue Badge when the holder isn’t present
- Using the badge of a deceased person
- Providing false details to get a badge
Fraud by council staff, councillors or contractors
Examples include:
- Bribery or corruption
- Abuse of position or power
Read our Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy
How to report fraud
You can report fraud online, by phone or by post.
Call 0161 912 1839, 0161 912 2228, 0161 912 2373.
Email: counterfraud@trafford.gov.uk
Write to: Counter Fraud, PO Box 542, M33 0GD.
Housing Benefit fraud
Housing Benefit fraud is investigated by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Report Housing Benefit fraud on GOV.UK.
You can also call 0800 854 440, textphone 0800 320 0512, or write to:
DWP Fraud Team, PO Box 224, Preston, PR1 1GP.
Fraud and scams not linked to the council
If you think you’ve been the victim of fraud or a scam that isn’t related to Trafford Council or the DWP, report it to Action Fraud:
Call:0300 123 2040
What happens after you report fraud
We assess every report. If there’s enough information, we may:
- Stop the fraud
- Recover money owed
- Take legal action or prosecute
- Publish successful prosecutions in the local press
We can’t give updates on individual cases, but we take all reports seriously.