Someone offered to help me get more benefits or backdated payments in exchange for a cut - is this a scam?
Yes, this is typically a benefits fraud scheme that can leave you facing repayment demands, fraud investigations, or prosecution, even though someone else devised it.
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026
Explanation
In this scheme, someone - sometimes presented as a friend, community contact, or self-styled 'benefits consultant' - offers to help you claim additional benefits, backdated payments, or a larger award than you're entitled to, often by encouraging you to exaggerate a disability, misreport your household situation, hide income, or falsify supporting documents. In exchange, they ask for a percentage of whatever extra money comes through, sometimes a very large cut.
The critical danger is that you, not the person who suggested it, are the one who signed the claim form and is legally responsible for the information on it. If the claim is later investigated and found to be fraudulent, you can face repayment demands for the full amount, financial penalties, and in serious cases criminal prosecution for benefit fraud - while the person who set it up and took a cut faces the same risk plus additional charges for facilitating fraud.
Genuine entitlement to backdated payments or higher benefit rates exists in some circumstances, but it should always be established through the official agency's own assessment process or a registered welfare rights advisor, never through someone offering to 'get you more money' for a fee based on inflating or falsifying your claim.
Common red flags
- Suggests exaggerating a disability or health condition on your claim
- Asks you to hide income, savings, or a partner living with you
- Wants a percentage or fee taken from any extra benefits obtained
- Offers to fill in or 'coach' your answers on official forms
- Claims to have insider knowledge of how to 'game' the assessment
- Discourages you from contacting the agency directly to check entitlement
What to do now
- Decline the offer and do not sign or submit any falsified claim
- If you've already submitted one, contact the agency to correct it before an investigation starts
- Seek advice from a free, accredited welfare rights or citizens advice service instead
- Keep any messages or agreements as evidence if you need to report the person
- Understand that legal responsibility for a claim rests with the person who signs it
- Report the individual to the benefits agency's fraud reporting line if they are actively soliciting others
Frequently asked questions
What if I didn't know the extra amount was fraudulent?
You are still generally responsible for the accuracy of information on a claim you signed, so ignorance does not automatically protect you from repayment demands.
Is there a legitimate way to get help with a claim?
Yes - free, accredited welfare rights advisors and citizens advice services can help you claim everything you're legitimately entitled to, at no cost and without fraud risk.