Did you know that NHS fraud costs millions of pounds every year – and that you can help to prevent it?

This International Fraud Awareness Week, West Yorkshire's Counter Fraud Team are reminding everyone of our shared responsibility to protect NHS resources and taxpayer money.

What are the ways in which fraud occurs within the NHS?

Fraud is when someone deliberately deceives others for personal or financial gain, causing a loss to someone else. In the NHS, this can take many forms, such as:

  • A staff member falsely calling in sick while working elsewhere.
  • A supplier charging for goods or services that were never delivered.
  • A cyber-criminal pretending to be a contractor and asking for payments to be sent to a different bank account.

Why does it matter?

NHS fraud affects every one of us and the services we rely on. Every pound lost to fraud is a pound that can’t be used to improve patient care. By working together to spot, report, and prevent fraud, we help make the NHS stronger for everyone.

Important legal update: failure to prevent fraud offence

From 1st September 2025, new legislation means organisations can be prosecuted if they don’t have reasonable procedures in place to stop staff, agents, or associates from committing fraud for the organisation’s benefit - even if senior management didn’t know about it. This makes it more important than ever to report any suspicions of fraud.

What should you do?

  • Report any suspicions, evidence, or knowledge of fraud to the Counter Fraud Team. Every report helps us find and fix weaknesses in our processes - even if the concern turns out to be unsubstantiated.
  • Reports can be made anonymously, and the person you’re reporting about won’t be told unless the concern is verified. We’ll work with you to make sure you’re comfortable with any actions taken.
  • Suspicions of fraud can be reported to Shaun Fleming by sending an email to shaunfleming@nhs.net or phoning on 07484 243063.
  • Alternatively, you can report suspicions of fraud anonymously by contacting the NHS Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line on 0800 028 40 60 - all calls are dealt with by trained staff and are professionally investigated. Or by visiting the fraud reporting website at https://cfa.nhs.uk/reportfraud

Stay informed and get support

  • It’s everyone’s responsibility to protect NHS money from fraud.
  • To learn more about NHS fraud and the latest scams (including those that could affect you outside work), sign up for the Counter Fraud Team’s monthly newsletter. Find it on the intranet or email yhs-tr.counterfraudyork@nhs.net to be added to the mailing list.
  • These newsletters also explain how you can access training and support from the Counter Fraud Team.

Let’s work together to keep the NHS safe from fraud—every action counts!