FOI/202400428267 · FOI · unclear
Reports of suspected fraud received by Social Security Scotland (SSS): FOI release
Information requested
The number of reports of suspected fraud that Social Security Scotland has received since 1 January 2024 to the present date (broken down by month and type of benefit).
Response
We have interpreted your request to mean allegations of fraud. Allegations do not automatically become fraud investigation cases as research and assessment is carried out prior to tasking to an investigator. Social Security Scotland does not decide when fraud has been committed; that is for the justice system. Therefore, we do not classify a behaviour as fraud until conviction (or the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service has decided on a non-court disposal as an alternative to prosecution).
Please find the requested information in the document attached. As you will see from the figures provided, an allegation can cover many different benefits at the same time.
About FOI
The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.