What is Fraud
Fraud is deception carried out for personal gain, usually for money. Fraud can also involve the abuse of a position of trust. By 'NHS fraud' we mean any fraud where the NHS is the victim. While those who commit fraud against the NHS are a small minority, their actions have a serious impact on us all. For a more detailed definition of NHS fraud, please visit the What is NHS fraud? page.
What is the cost of NHS fraud?
We estimate that the NHS is vulnerable to £1.316 billion worth of fraud each year.
Fraud takes taxpayers' money away from patient care and puts into the hands of criminals.
What can you do about fraud in the NHS?
Everyone has a part to play in fighting fraud. Being aware of the risk and remaining vigilant are the most important first steps, followed by knowing how to report fraud.
It is easy to report NHS fraud. You can call our anonymous, 24-hour reporting line on 0800 028 4060 (powered by Crimestoppers) or use our confidential online reporting form.
Who pays for NHS fraud?
When the NHS loses money to fraud, we all bear the cost. Watch our animation to see examples of different types of fraud affecting the NHS, and learn how to report fraud. For more examples of NHS fraud, please visit the What is NHS fraud? page.
Latest News
Fit for the Future: An update on the 10 Year Health Plan for England
The Government's 10 Year Health Plan for England has been launched, setting out a bold, ambitious and necessary new course for the NHS.
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Guidance published on the failure to prevent fraud offence
We have published guidance to help colleagues in the counter fraud community and healthcare sector to understand the impact of the new offence of failure to prevent fraud that comes into effect on 1 September 2025.
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Ex-manager who stole £564,000 from NHS faces repayment or jail
The NHS Counter Fraud Authority has today (19 June) been granted a confiscation order that forces former NHS manager Thomas Elrick to return £175,000 that he defrauded from the NHS or face a two year jail sentence if he fails to pay.
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Four men jailed for £6m bribery and corruption against NHS Scotland
Four men have today (5 June) been sent to prison for a combined 29 years for fraud, bribery, and corruption against NHS Scotland.
Project Athena
Project Athena is an innovative NHSCFA programme focused on detecting and preventing large-scale fraud across the NHS.
By applying data science techniques, the programme uncovers patterns and emerging trends in healthcare data — helping to identify increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes and enabling faster, more targeted action to stop them.
More information about the NHSCFA
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Who we are
Find out about who we are, what we do and who we work with.
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Working at the NHSCFA
Find information and current vacancies at the NHSCFA
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Counter fraud standards
National standards for NHS bodies' counter fraud work
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