What happens to Centrelink Cheats?

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 Centrelink Fraud Charges.

Penalties For Centrelink Fraud

The maximum penalties for Centrelink Fraud is 10 years imprisonment for offences of obtaining property and obtaining a financial advantage by deception and 5 years imprisonment for an offence of general dishonesty.

The Centrelink Fraud Report

Since the Governments’ crackdown on Centrelink Fraud in recent times, it is understood that the Australian Government has clawed back an estimated $1.8 Billion dollars in the last 18 months. The Department of Human Services (DHS) has been able to do so, by utilising data matching technology since mid-2016 to detect discrepancies in payments, and the Coalition said that has increased the number of yearly welfare checks by half a million since it has been in office.

During this investigative period, there were more than 1,400 examples of welfare fraud, and out of that were 900 Centrelink Fraud Cases that were referred to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

When understanding what it means to defraud Centrelink, you need to look at the following circumstances:

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

Examples of Centrelink fraud

• 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.

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 have been charged with a Centrelink Fraud Criminal Offence, then click here, and you will be able to see penalties and possible defence strategies to help fight your Centrelink Charges.

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 Centrelink fraud offences to be aware of. The process of reporting Centrelink fraud is confidential at all times, and you will remain anonymous.

Benjamin Leonardo are Criminal Fraud Defence Lawyers. With offices in Sydney and Parramatta they are conveniently located near the district courts. They understand the strain Centrelink Fraud cases have on their clients and families alike, and provide sympathetic and non-judgemental advice and support to their clients. Having defended more than 3,800 cases and with a success rate of over 90%, Benjamin Leonardo are Centrelink Fraud Lawyers in Sydney & Parramatta, and they provide their clients with informed legal advice and flexible payment terms. If you have been charged with a criminal offence, please contact Benjamin Leonardo on (02) 9283 3033, for your first Consultation.