Fraud - would you know what to do?

Everyone knows that committing fraud and bribery is illegal, but what exactly is fraud and what should you do if you have suspicions about it going on at work?

Fraud

Fraud is any deliberate intention to make a gain for themselves or anyone else, or inflicting a loss (or a risk of loss) on another person, i.e. the NHS. This could be through creating false records or documents or failing to disclose information.

Bribery

This is anything that induces (or intends to induce) improper performance. This includes offering, promising or giving a bribe, requesting, agreeing to receive or actually accepting a bride, and failing to prevent bribery.

What to do if you have concerns?

If any of these concerns come to light you must immediately report your suspicions and what you have discovered to one of the following:

Confidentiality will be maintained and all matters will be dealt with in accordance with the NHS counter fraud standards. You will not suffer any recriminations as a result of raising concerns – you have protection under the Public Disclosure Act 1998.

Do…

  • tell someone – confidentiality will be absolutely respected
  • make a note of your concern – including what was said, the date and time, and the names of everyone involved. Keep a record or copy of any documentation that arouses your suspicion.

Don’t…

  • do nothing
  • confront the individual(s) with your suspicions
  • try to investigate the matter yourself
  • contact the police directly
  • convey your suspicions to anyone other than those listed above.
Updated 1st September, 2015; 17th March, 2016

Want more information? Visit https://www.reportnhsfraud.nhs.uk/.

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