Report fraud, corruption and workplace concerns

Use this service to get advice or report fraud or corruption.

Reporting fraud and corruption

For friendly advice and guidance on reporting fraud or corruption, or to make a report, you can contact the Counter Fraud team in confidence by: 

• phoning 03330 138 917 
• emailing counterfraud.team@essex.gov.uk 
• using the online form 

Examples of types of fraud they investigate include: 

• misuse of purchase cards 
• claiming false or inaccurate expenses 
• misusing council assets 
• misuse of a blue badge or concessionary travel pass 
• falsifying grant applications 
• offloading assets to avoid paying for social care 
• misuse of direct payment monies 

See more examples of other types of fraud Counter Fraud investigate. 

If you are a manager, the Fraud response plan for managers (PDF, 140KB) will tell you what actions you need to take when faced with suspected fraud or corruption. 

Reporting workplace concerns (whistleblowing)

If you are reporting other workplace concerns, such as bribery, health and safety risks, or sexual harassment, you can take different steps to raise a concern about your workplace. 

Further ways to report suspicions and scams

• Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre
• Department for Work and Pensions, to report housing, income support or disability benefit fraud
• Citizens Advice, free advice on several issues including fraud and scams
• National Cyber Security Centre, report suspicious websites
• Trading Standards, report a problem with a trader or product
• HMRC Guidance, guidance around HMRC scams
• Essex Police, advice and information from Essex Police
• Protect, free, confidential whistleblowing advice