Furlough fraud reports surge to 26,000 - how to report to hmrc

Furlough fraud has unfortunately proven itself to be a widespread issue within the last year. It involves the exploitation of the Government’s official Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

(CJRS) for one’s own financial gain. Furlough money gained through fraud can often be used for unscrupulous purposes, and could cause issues for those who genuinely claim. “Six to 12 months

down the line, it will really come home to roost how much money has been paid out. “It will then be easy for the Government and HMRC to fall into the mindset of raking as much money back as

possible paid in breach of the rules. “It is money for old rope - if they have clear cases of furlough fraud then it is going to be straightforward to get it back.” The cost of furlough

support has been extensive as it is estimated the Government has shelled out close to £57billion in supporting millions of jobs across the country. However, the cost of furlough fraud is

also extensive, and HMRC is looking to hit back at those who believe they can exploit the system.  An HMRC spokesperson spoke to Express.co.uk about the matter, saying: “The Coronavirus Job

Retention Scheme has provided a lifeline to millions of people across the UK and fraudulent claims are unacceptable. “It is taxpayers’ money and fraud limits our ability to support people

and deprives public services of essential funding. “At the Budget, the Chancellor committed £100 million to HMRC to tackle the minority who deliberately claim help scheme money they’re not

entitled to. “We’d ask anyone concerned that an employer might be abusing the scheme, or anyone with information about suspected fraud, to please contact us. “All information is assessed and

the most appropriate course of action taken.” For those who do wish to report the issue o suspected furlough fraud, the Government has designated specific channels by which to do so. The

Government website has a specific page entitled ‘Report HMRC-administered coronavirus relief scheme fraud’ which enables Britons to fill out a form anonymously.  In addition, there is an

official COVID fraud hotline which is open 24/7, 365 days a year to report suspicions.  _Do you have a money dilemma which you'd like a financial expert's opinion on? If you would

like to ask one of our finance experts a question, please email your query to [email protected]__. Unfortunately we cannot respond to every email._