Legal Aid Agency Counter Fraud and Investigations
How to report suspected fraudulent activity to the LAA and find out what action we can take.
Applies to England and Wales
Counter fraud and investigations
The Counter Fraud & Investigations (CFI) team is responsible for investigating allegations of fraud by solicitors, barristers and third-party experts carrying out legal aid work. They also investigate allegations of fraud by clients in receipt of both civil and criminal legal aid.
Report fraud against the LAA
To report suspected fraudulent activity you should e-mail CFI: laacounterfraud@justice.gov.uk or contact your Contract Manager.
Alternatively you can report your concerns anonymously by completing the ‘Reporting Fraud’ form.
It is useful to note that whilst the LAA cannot disclose details of the investigation, limited information may be provided regarding the status of the case, although this is contingent on a case-by-case basis due to the sensitivity and nature of the cases. Although, examples of updates that the LAA may provide could include confirmation that the investigation has concluded and actions have been taken accordingly, without outlining the details of the case.
Fraud investigations
CFI works closely with the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board in the delivery of their role.
Allegations of potential fraud against the LAA are investigated by the CFI in accordance with the Fraud Act 2006. Work is carried out in partnership with other government agencies – most commonly the Department for Work and Pensions – to investigate representations against legal aid entitlement where fraud is alleged.
CFI work in partnership with their counterparts in wider government or directly with the police to prepare evidence for the prosecution of fraud against LAA. This is termed ‘application fraud’, where clients intentionally fail to declare income or capital assets in order to qualify for legal aid.
Allegations of potential fraud can include granting legal aid for a client who has not instructed a provider. Please note, for the purposes of this guidance, this is an example and could potentially take place in some categories of law i.e., mental health, but not all fraudulent activities will take place in this form. We, therefore, encourage you to submit all suspected fraudulent activity to the LAA irrespective of the nature of the case.
Phone scamming
Fraudulent phone calls are occasionally made from people pretending to be from the LAA to try and obtain personal information from members of the public.
The LAA will never telephone to ask for sensitive information in this way. Anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of fraudulent calls should contact ‘Action Fraud’ – the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
You can either telephone 0300 123 2040 or use the ‘online reporting tool’ on the Action Fraud website.
Last updated 31 October 2022 + show all updates
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Detail about the role of the Legal Aid Agency and how to make representations / allegations of fraud against the granting of legal aid to any individual has been removed from this page.
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Further detail has been added about the role of the Legal Aid Agency and how to make representations / allegations of fraud against the granting of legal aid to any individual.
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We've added guidance on phone scamming and what to do if you receive a suspicious call.
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First published.