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How can a fraud solicitor help with benefit fraud? ABV Solicitors There are many different types of fraud, amongst which benefit fraud is very common in the UK. Benefit fraud deals with the public receiving benefits to which they were not entitled. There are many different examples of benefit fraud, including identity theft or using fake documents to claim benefits. It includes failing to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of your actual income and claiming that you earn less than you actually do to receive greater benefits. It also includes failure to disclose your actual circumstances; one example would be claiming that you are a single parent when in fact you are living with your partner. If you have been involved in benefit fraud or other financial crime, you will need to speak to your fraud solicitor immediately. Fraud triangle The fraud triangle explains why people commit fraud, including benefit fraud. Your fraud solicitor can explain this to you and listen to your circumstances. The theory suggests that fraud is carried out as a result of financial pressure, opportunity and rationalisation. People across the world are currently facing financial pressure, and everyone is looking for ways to reduce expenses or increase their income; this has resulted in many people committing benefit fraud. The opportunity for committing benefit fraud is when the DWP or HMRC have asked you to report changes in circumstances or provide information on income and you either failed to report a change or provide false information. The rationalisation of benefit fraud varies from person to person and includes issues such as increased cost of living as well as the idea that others are doing the same thing. How a fraud solicitor can help If you are accused of benefit fraud, the prosecution will have to show that there is more than reasonable doubt that you had the intention of receiving government benefits being aware that you did not have the right to do so. A fraud solicitor will put forward the defence that you were unaware that you were not entitled to that particular benefit, that you thought your statements were correct at the time and that you genuinely believed in the right to receive such benefits. Every case is unique, and the level of seriousness varies. You must speak to a specialist fraud solicitor for complete legal support whilst the authorities investigate your case. Your fraud solicitor will help minimise the penalties where possible by proving that you were not acting fraudulently but rather telling the truth and relying on the DWP to calculate the correct amount of benefit you are entitled to. In this way, your fraud solicitor will build up a strong defence for your case and help avoid sentencing. Speak to a fraud solicitor regarding benefit fraud, as well as a range of other related financial crimes such as tax evasion. Tax evasion is when you deliberately choose not to pay the tax that is due; this can be a criminal offence, and if found guilty, you could face fines and even a prison sentence. If you have been accused of tax avoidance or tax evasion or you are facing charges for benefit fraud, you need to speak to a fraud solicitor sooner rather than later. If you are involved in other financial crimes, it is also important that you speak to your fraud solicitor as soon as possible and get the help that you need. References: https://www.abvsolicitors.co.uk