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NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA) Logo

NHS Fraud Definitions

This section provides definitions for the 123 known types of fraud committed against the NHS.

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Image of NHS staff walking down a hospital corridoor.

NHS staff

This relates to a person/organisation working for the NHS in any capacity. This includes salaried employees, retired employees receiving an NHS pension, agency staff, trainees, contracted staff such as GPs, dentists, pharmacists, opticians and their organisations and any other contractors who work for the NHS in the same manner as an employee.
Image of NHS patient reciving treatment.

NHS patient

This relates to a patient, that is someone obtaining treatment, services or medication from the NHS. It may relate to someone using the NHS (either in the UK or abroad) to obtain medical, dental, optical or pharmacy services.
Image of NHS hospital bed.

NHS suppliers

This relates to a person/organisation providing goods/services to the NHS. This can include contractors (individuals or companies), suppliers, or other organisations.
Image of managers looking at NHS systems.

NHS systems

This relates to fraud in relation to financial accounting, performance, incentives or penalties or any other financial issue.
Image of credit card.

Third parties

This relates to a person or organisation not linked to the NHS but trying to gain financially from it. This would include a third party making unsolicited requests for payment from the NHS or someone using an NHS facility to which they are not entitled.
  • Fraud Reference Guide
  • NHS Fraud Definitions
  • NHSCFA Thematic Fraud Areas
  • Dos and Don’ts when reporting fraud
  • Relevant pages
  • NHS recruitment fraud risks
  • Report NHS fraud
  • Trucks deliver NHS fraud message
  • NHS Counter Fraud Service Wales
  • Three managers jailed for £822,000 NHS fraud

We estimate that the NHS is vulnerable to £1.21 billion worth of fraud each year.

Report any suspicions or concerns about fraud against the NHS to the NHSCFA.

Help stop NHS Fraud. Start an online report >>

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