Fraud Awareness Week
Wirral Council is joining the national effort to raise awareness of fraud during Fraud Awareness Week, running from 17–23 November 2025, by highlighting the most common ways fraud is committed against councils and encouraging residents to take action to protect themselves and local services.
Fraud is a criminal act where individuals, businesses or organisations are deceived for personal gain or to cause loss. It is far from a victimless crime — Fraud and error costs the taxpayer billions of pounds each year, impacting the delivery of vital services across communities. Resources that should be funding local services, supporting vulnerable residents, and improving everyday life.
Common types of fraud affecting councils include:
- False claims for council tax discounts, benefits, credits or grants
- Misuse of Blue Badges
- Misuse of grant or social care payments
- False accident or liability claims
Wirral Council is urging residents, staff and partners to stay vigilant and report any suspicions of fraud. Reports can be made anonymously by calling 0800 731 5783, texting 07941 163806, or online at wirral.gov.uk/fraud.
Every action taken to prevent fraud helps protect the services we all rely on.
In support of the campaign, the council is also promoting the 159 hotline, backed by Stop Scams UK – a coalition of banking and technology companies. If you receive a suspicious call or message from someone claiming to represent a trusted organisation, such as a bank, and are asked to transfer money, end the call immediately and call 159 to verify whether the contact is legitimate.
