PEOPLE in Hillingdon are being encouraged to spot the signs of council fraud, report them and look out for those who may become victims.

It’s all part of Fraud Awareness Week, which runs until Saturday.  

Anyone who suspects someone is committing fraud against the council can report it directly, in confidence at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/reportfraud or by calling 0800 389 8313.   

The borough’s counter fraud team investigates a raft of potential frauds and dishonesty offences, including tenancy fraud, giving false information on applications, not declaring income and misusing parking blue badges.    

In total, this financial year (2023-24) the team has prevented the loss of more than £3.4 million through its proactive work.

Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Cabinet Member for Properties, Highways and Transport, said: “The council has a zero-tolerance approach to fraud, bribery and corruption.

“Our fraud team has a proven track record, but stamping out fraud is everyone’s responsibility.”     

The counter fraud team have this year recovered 48 council properties due to tenancy and housing related non-occupation, subletting and abandonment.    

More than £127,000 has been saved through action against people fraudulently receiving cash for social care where they haven’t properly disclosed income, savings or property ownership.