Hotline to report suspected Social assistance benefit benefit fraud
Benefits are meant for people who are entitled to them. If someone does not follow the rules, this could be benefit fraud. Do you think someone is committing fraud with his or her benefit? Report this to the municipality. You can do this anonymously. You will not be notified of the investigation because of the privacy of those involved.
What is fraud?
Fraud is the intentional giving of false information or concealment of matters in order to obtain or maintain benefits. Some examples of fraud:
- Failure to declare (additional) income, such as from undeclared work.
- Failure to report property or savings, including abroad.
- Being registered at an address where one does not actually live.
How can you make a report?
You can make your report anonymously. This means you do not have to leave any personal information, but you may. In that case, we can call you if we have further questions.
You can also email: toezichthouder.sociaaldomein@opsterland.nl.
Report changes in your situation
Do you have your own Social assistance benefit? Then you must report changes in your situation to the municipality. This applies, for example, if you start living together, work, or get expensive items. If you do not do this, this can be seen as fraud. In that case, you must repay the excess money you received and you will be fined.
Consequences for not reporting changes
Failure to report changes carries great risks. We check strictly and also use data from the Tax Office, the Social Insurance Bank and other organizations for this purpose.
If you fail to report changes on time and therefore receive too much benefit, you must repay this amount. If information is incorrect or missing, this may be considered fraud, and you will be fined. The fine is 100% of the fraud amount, which means you have to pay back double the amount. Fraud above €50,000 will be reported and you may have to appear in criminal court.
