Although the vast majority of benefit claimants are honest people, who often struggle to make ends meet on a low income, there is a minority defrauding the system.

The risk to West Wiltshire District Council is in excess of £1 million every year - that's your money being lost. All benefit theft is a crime, and those found breaking the law face a criminal record.

Our investigation section looks into over 700 allegations of fraud each year, often in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions. We have had a number of successful prosecutions, and we have been able to recoup many thousands of pounds.

Many people assume that benefit theft applies only to those who are working for cash in hand' whilst claiming Jobseeker's Allowance. This is not the case.

Examples of fraudulent behaviour include not telling us that:

• you are now living with a partner
• you are receiving other benefits
• you have any savings, or not telling us the right amount
• your children have left home, although you are still claiming for them
• you have started work, or about any earnings
• you have inherited money
• you are going abroad, living abroad, or have changed address

There are no exceptions. People who knowingly withhold information or deliberately fail to report a change in their circumstances are benefit thieves. It's not playing the game' - it's breaking the law!

Our fraud investigators need your help to catch those people helping themselves to your money.

To report a suspected fraud, you can:

• Write to the Benefit Investigation Section, West Wiltshire District Council, Bradley Road, Trowbridge, BA14 0RD
• Speak to an investigator in normal office hours on 01225 770301 - you don't have to give your name or address
• Leave a message on a telephone answering service outside of office hours or if the investigators are out of the office - call 01225 770301
• E-mail us at investigation@westwiltshire.gov.uk
• Fax us on 01225 770333
• Use the on-line form at www.westwiltshire.gov.uk

12:05pm Tuesday 11th December 2007

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