Corporate fraud
What is fraud?
Fraud is when someone knowingly makes a false statement to gain something of value (usually money or property) or to cause loss to another individual/organisation.
Fraud is a criminal offence and if we find out that someone is defrauding Swindon Borough Council in any way we will investigate them. If we have enough evidence to prove that a person is committing fraud they may receive be prosecuted or receive an official caution which could result in a criminal record and a prison sentence or fine.
People are committing fraud if they:
- Claim Council money they are not entitled to. This includes payments for contracts, supplies, grants or claiming for council services they aren’t entitled to
- Steal or misuse Council resources - this includes stores, equipment, vehicles or buildings
- Claim housing they are not entitled to or let out their home illegally - see Housing Fraud for more details
- Claim single person or non-occupancy discounts for Council Tax Support they are not entitled to
- Use a Blue badge which belongs to another person or use a Blue Badge when the badge holder is not in the vehicle
This is not an exhaustive list and there are many other examples of fraud that have been reported.