Why you need to keep reporting fraud in the NHS

Criminals are always alert to opportunities. With the unprecedented pressure that the NHS and its staff have been facing in the last year and a half, the NHS Counter Fraud Authority's (NHSCFA) work has never been more crucial in ensuring that NHS funds are used for their intended purpose – patient care. As a result, the NHSCFA has been continuing to fight fraud in the NHS and the wider health service throughout the pandemic.

What we investigate

The NHSCFA investigates fraud and other economic crime affecting the NHS, where the NHS is the victim. Fraud is a hidden crime by nature, making it hard to spot, and it can be perpetrated by anyone. That is why we created a NHS Fraud Reference Guide that categorises the different known types of frauds and explains what they are.

You have to see fraud in order to fight it, and the guide was developed to help people recognise when fraud is being committed against the NHS.

You can help us in this ongoing battle by reporting any suspicions or concerns you may have about fraud against the NHS. You can do so by either calling our reporting line, powered by Crimestoppers. on 0800 028 4060, or by completing our online form at cfa.nhs.uk/reportfraud.

If you work for the NHS, you should report your concerns to your Local Counter Fraud Specialist (LCFS).

Why we need you to keep reporting

We value all the information you give, us however small you may initially consider it to be. This information better informs us of the ways in which people commit fraud against the NHS, giving us a broader intelligence picture and allowing us to develop solutions to mitigate the risks. This also helps to inform our investigative work, enabling us to take enforcement action, bringing those who misappropriate NHS funds to justice. Sometimes very large recovery and enforcement cases start with a seemingly humble report or enquiry.

Where to report other concerns

The NHSCFA deals with fraud against the NHS, meaning we can only investigate matters where the NHS has been a victim of fraud. Our remit covers the NHS in England, and we also provide counter fraud services to the NHS in Wales under an agreement with the Welsh Government.

However, we work in close cooperation with other fraud fighting bodies.

Any concerns that do not relate to fraud against the NHS in England or Wales should be reported to the appropriate organisation. Please find details of who to report your concerns to below:

In an emergency, always dial 999.

We will, of course, act on any fraud report but our resources are limited, and we will typically forward misdirected reports to the appropriate body (e.g. the police). It is, however, better if you make your report directly to the organisation that is best placed to look into it. This will ensure it can be dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible.

If you have a complaint to make about an NHS organisation or service, please contact the relevant organisation’s complaints team in the first instance. Their details should be listed on the organisation’s website.

The NHSCFA will continue to work with counter fraud colleagues across the NHS, and with stakeholders like Crimestoppers, to fight fraud affecting the NHS.

Remember:

Spot it.

Report it.

Together we stop it.