WIRRAL Council is running a week long fraud awareness campaign as part of a coordinated approach across Merseyside to coincide with International Fraud Awareness week.

The aim is to raise public awareness, change people’s attitude towards fraud and encourage Wirral residents and businesses to help spot and stop fraud. 

Fraudsters steal tens of thousands of pounds of public money that could be used to improve the local community, the campaign aims to highlight the council’s zero tolerance approach to fraud and the minority who commit fraud.

The campaign includes posters and leaflets in council-run public buildings, advertising on the council’s website and on One Stop Shop digital screens.

Fraud costs local government more than £2 billion per year, a figure which is particularly relevant in times of dwindling resources.

Types of fraud can include:

  • false claims for council tax support 
  • misuse of direct payments
  • misuse of grant payments
  • false invoices for goods, works or services 
  • false accident claims
  • misuse of blue badges             

How to report fraud:

  • call free on 0800 731 5783
  • text 07786 202 304, starting your message with ‘fraud’
  • report online at wirral.gov.uk/fraud