Centrelink Fraud: What You Need To Know About Penalties & Reporting

In recent years, the Australian Government has started coming down quite heavily on people who defraud the government when over-claiming their Centrelink income.

Centrelink fraud is estimated to cost the Australian government approximately $3.5 billion dollars each year, in fraud, non-compliance or misreporting to the welfare system.

If you have been charged with Centrelink fraud or other social security fraud, then you have essentially been charged with a criminal offence. It is at this point, that you should seek the advice from an experienced Fraud Lawyer who can outline your rights on how to effectively defend your Fraud Charges.

 

What Is Centrelink Fraud?

Centrelink fraud is the result of individuals unlawfully accessing social security benefits they are not entitled to. This can happen through methods like providing incorrect details, not disclosing changes in circumstances or using another persons identity. To address this issue the Australian Government has set up a hotline for reporting Centrelink fraud.

If you suspect someone of engaging in activities with Centrelink you can report your concerns discreetly by calling the Centrelink Fraud Tip off Line or submitting a form through Services Australia.

The hotline ensures that reports are handled with confidentiality and you have the choice to remain anonymous if preferred. It’s important to provide information when making a report as it assists in the investigation process.

Reporting instances of fraud plays a role in upholding the integrity of Australias social security system and ensuring that assistance reaches those who truly require it.

 

Real-Life Examples

• Not declaring income from employment, investments or other sources.
• Exaggerating a medical condition.
• Claiming an allowance as a single person when you are in a de facto relationship.
• Claiming an allowance under more than one name.
• Submitting false or forged documents.

There may be incidents where people may be defrauding Centrelink without knowing, and it is up to the court to prove that the defendant had acted dishonestly. However, it is up to the person to be responsible for reporting any changes to Centrelink, if their circumstances change and payments need to be adjusted.

This excuse or lack of understanding of the law, has led the government to expose Centrelink cheats, by encouraging people in the community to report Centrelink Cheats, who may be benefiting from cheating the government on their welfare payments, child support payments or any other health payments. Whistle-blowers details are kept confidentially and are able-to report Centrelink Fraud anonymously. The government has set up special telephone hotlines to combat welfare cheats.

 

Penalties For Centrelink Fraud

The maximum penalties for participating in the action of defrauding the government by over-claiming Centrelink income can be severe: up to 10 years imprisonment for obtaining property or financial advantage through deception, and 5 years imprisonment for general dishonesty offences.

 

How To Report Centrelink Fraud

The Australian Government has taken quite decisive action in trying to reduce Centrelink Fraud crime, and with their latest technological advancements, they are able to easily locate people who are defrauding the government in unlawful Centrelink payments.

If you would like to report an instance of Centrelink fraud, there are two methods you can take. The first is to fill out an online form. If you choose to report fraud online in this manner, be sure to include as much detail as possible, give specific answers, and note whether you don’t have an answer to some questions.

The second way that you may report Centrelink fraud is to call the Centrelink fraud tip off line. In doing so, be sure you speak to the right line, as there are varying offences to be aware of. The process of reporting Centrelink fraud is confidential at all times, and you will remain anonymous.

 

Reach Out To Essere – The Defenders

As experienced criminal fraud defence lawyers, we have two conveniently located offices in Sydney and Parramatta located near the district courts. We understand the strain Centrelink Fraud cases have on our clients and families alike, which is why we stive to provide sympathetic and non-judgemental advice and support to our clients.

Having defended more than 3,800 cases and with a success rate of over 90%, our team of Fraud Lawyers in Sydney & Parramatta provide our clients with informed legal advice and flexible payment terms. If you have been charged with a criminal offence, please contact Essere on (02) 9283 3033, for your first Consultation.