Benefit thieves going abroad
It’s not if we catch you, it’s when
The British Government takes benefit theft seriously. There is no hiding place for anyone who thinks they can get away with stealing taxpayers’ money because they are abroad.
It’s not if we catch you, it’s when
We are:
- Tracking down benefit thieves wherever they are
- Working closely with authorities abroad to identify benefit fraudsters
- Following up calls to our new UK Benefit Fraud Hotline in Portugal
It’s estimated that between April 2010 and March 2011, £79m was lost as a result of benefit fraud overpayments to British claimants who have not told us they are living or travelling abroad – that means British taxpayers are financing the fraudsters’ overseas lifestyle.
If you know anyone who is stealing benefits, we want to hear about them
The new UK Benefit Fraud Hotline in Portugal now makes it easier to report benefit thieves on 800 208 638. Lines are open 7am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Your call is free and confidential.
If your circumstances have changed
Remember – if you are in receipt of benefits, it’s an offence not to tell us if your circumstances change, for example:
- you are going or living abroad
- you get married, or if you separate, divorce or are widowed
- you start work, increase your earnings or your savings.
If you don’t tell us it could mean prosecution, imprisonment and even
the confiscation of your home and possessions.
For more details visit the benefit
theft website.
