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General Fraud Information

Centrelink fraud is committed when a person knowingly gives false and misleading information to get a payment/s they should not be getting or do not tell Centrelink information they are obliged to tell us.

Fraud can be committed in a number of ways such as providing Centrelink with incorrect information either on forms completed, false statements, false identification or overall deliberately telling Centrelink the wrong information.

How does Centrelink detect fraud?

Centrelink discovers incorrect payments in a variety of ways including:

• Information from the public - The public has always been a valuable source of information about alleged fraud. Members of the public contact Centrelink with information about people they think are getting a payment from Centrelink they should not be getting. All information from the public is checked and followed up if necessary.
• Regular Payment Checks - Centrelink can regularly check whether a customer continues to be eligible for the payment they are getting from Centrelink.
• Data Matching - Centrelink can detect incorrect payments by matching data with a number of other agencies, such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Department of Veterans' Affairs, Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Department of Corrective Services and the Registrar-General's Office.

How does Centrelink investigate fraud?

Centrelink investigates fraud in many ways depending on the information and the situation. Letters may be sent to financial institutions, employers, real estate agents and local governments to confirm current customer details. Centrelink may also contact family, friends or neighbours to confirm information the customer provides to Centrelink.

Customers may be interviewed at a Centrelink Customer Service Centre, at home or at another suitable place.

Centrelink can check income details with a customer's last/current employer, by either sending a letter directly to the employer or through the Australian Taxation Office.

There are many external information sources available to Centrelink to check whether customers are getting the right payment and the right amount. This includes checking names, addresses, redirection information and post office box information through Australia Post as well as contacting local councils to verify who owns property, dates of purchase and locations of properties.

What happens after a suspected fraud has been investigated?

If no fraud has been detected, nothing happens.

If an incorrect payment or fraud of some kind has been detected, the customer will be contacted about this and will be asked to explain why it happened. If this results in an overpayment, a debt will be raised for the incorrect amount and it will have to be repaid.

Please keep in mind ALL fraud cases can be sent for Prosecution action.

What should I do if I am suspected of fraud?

You should cooperate with Centrelink and provide any information Centrelink requests. If you are unsure why you need to supply certain information, you should ask a Centrelink Customer Service Officer and they will be able to explain why that information is needed. You may have a friend or a lawyer present at any interview.

Can I appeal if Centrelink says I have committed fraud and I think they are wrong?

Customers have the right to have decisions reviewed. The Social Security review and appeals system provides for a number of steps to be taken by customers.

The Customer Service Officer you originally spoke to is responsible for talking to you and:

• examines the file to ensure that all facts are recorded and correct
• ascertains and records any new information
• clarifies any misunderstandings
• fully explains the decision and reasons
• corrects any errors and where necessary, makes a new decision
• advises you of the outcome.

If you are not happy with the decision, you can request a review by an Authorised Review Officer (ARO). This should be made within three months of the notice advising you of the decision as it can limit the payment of arrears. If you are still not happy with a decision made by Centrelink, you may appeal to the Social Security Appeals tribunal (SSAT).

These appeals may be lodged with Centrelink or directly with the SSAT.