One of the most common stories you’ll see in the local news is when someone is convicted of benefit fraud, having taken thousands of pounds of money that they weren’t entitled to. Unfortunately, there are even stories of people who’ve been falsely found guilty of benefit fraud – having essential money taken away from them when they genuinely needed and deserved it.
One of the main problems councils have is finding out who is really a benefit cheat. In most circumstances, they rely on reports from members of the public – neighbours and even friends who call up to suggest they believe a person is committing fraud. But as a report in 2016 revealed, around 85% of these reports end up going nowhere due to a lack of evidence.
False accusations can be damaging, both as a financial waste of time to the council and also to the well-being of the accused. That’s where a professional private investigator can become very useful to the council.
An investigator is skilled in surveillance and can gather reliable evidence on a suspected fraudster, without being caught out. Whether it’s someone claiming to be living alone to get discounts but actually they cohabit, or housing benefit fraud, or indeed any type of suspicious activity around benefits, a private investigator can be the key to a conviction with a full dossier of irrefutable evidence.
Not only that, but using an investigator ensures complete discretion. Many people committing benefit fraud are well aware they’re likely to be investigated, so will act with suspicion and try to cover up their misdemeanours. An investigator can catch people when their defences are lower, meaning they’re more likely to uncover fraud taking place.
For more information about services provided by EJM Investigations, including evidence gathering for benefit fraud cases, please call 01772 334 700. We work in most areas of Lancashire such as Bolton and much more – full details can be seen by clicking here.