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Prakash Ruparelia was extremely knowledgeable about my benefits issue, where other firms had not been able to help me. He was communicative and reassuring, and provided sound advice that helped me to avoid issues further down the line. I would recommend his services.
I highly recommend Prakash Ruparelia from Scott-Moncrieff & Associates. He helped my mother to find a prompt and cost-effective way of resolving her case. At each stage of legal process Prakash gave clear and concise advice and provided an honest appraisal about the merits of our case. This helped us to make informed decisions about what steps to take. Always calm and well-prepared, Prakash worked tirelessly to achieve a brilliant result for us.
I was very fortunate to have found Prakash Ruparelia to help me. I was going through a bad time physically and mentally to deal with my claim.he made the process so easy and efficient. He is a very honest and professional at what he does . I’m very appreciative of his help.
I would like to thank Prakash Ruparelia for preparing appeal and representing my son at the PIP Tribunal last week. It was really helpful to have his expert guidance and reassurance throughout what has been a difficult and stressful process. The appeal was successful.
I had a fantastic experience with Scott-Moncrieff & Associates, my named solicitor was Prakash Ruparelia, he was very knowledgeable/ experienced in the process of personal independence payments appeals, he guided me through the process, reassuring me at all times. He was professional and communication was key for me, he always responded to any queries I had.
I would highly recommend their services and wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.If you’ve received a letter inviting you to a Benefit Fraud Interview Under Caution (IUC), you are under formal investigation by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or your local council fraud team.
This is not a routine chat – it’s a criminal investigation interview under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE). What you say can and will be used against you in court.
👉 Without a specialist benefit fraud solicitor, you are walking into a trap.
Benefit fraud happens when someone is accused of deliberately giving false information or failing to disclose changes in order to claim benefits.
Common allegations include:
Universal Credit fraud – not declaring a partner, income, or capital
Housing Benefit fraud – claiming for a property you don’t live in or contrived tenancies
PIP / ESA fraud – misreporting health or mobility problems
Council Tax Support fraud – not declaring household members
Working while claiming – undeclared employment or self-employment
Warning: Even “innocent mistakes” can be treated as fraud if the DWP believes you “should have known” to report a change.
DWP Fraud Investigators (Fraud Investigation Officers – FIOs) act on:
Anonymous tip-offs from neighbours or ex-partners
Data matching with HMRC, banks, DVLA, or employers
Surveillance – including photos, videos, and social media monitoring
Inconsistencies between claim forms, GP records, and financial data
If you’re asking “How do I know if Universal Credit is investigating me?” – the biggest clue is receiving a letter inviting you to an Interview Under Caution.
At the IUC, investigators will:
Caution you under PACE
Question you directly about your benefit claims and circumstances
Record the entire interview on tape or digital equipment
Use strategic and loaded questions designed to secure admissions
Even though the DWP “invites” you, the IUC is never casual. It is a formal criminal investigation that can lead to prosecution in court.
Friends or relatives may sit in, but they cannot speak for you
Investigators approach the interview already assuming fraud took place
Every word you say – even if said innocently – can become evidence against you
Only a solicitor can step in immediately if questioning turns unfair or misleading
Fact: Claimants who attend without a solicitor face a far higher risk of being charged, fined, or prosecuted.
With 25+ years’ legal experience and a national reputation in welfare benefits fraud defence, I provide:
Evidence review – requesting disclosure of the case against you before the IUC
Defence strategy – advising whether to answer questions, remain silent, or give a prepared statement
Representation at the IUC – ensuring you are not bullied or misled by investigators
Post-interview defence – challenging overpayment decisions, appealing to tribunals, or defending against prosecution
After the interview, outcomes include:
No further action – case dropped
Overpayment recovery only – repay benefits, no prosecution
Administrative penalty – a financial fine
Caution or warning
Prosecution – in Magistrates’ or Crown Court
The consequences of benefit fraud can be life-changing:
Criminal record
Loss of benefits
Thousands in repayments and fines
Prison sentences for serious cases
Even if fraud is alleged, you can still fight back. Many overpayments are wrongly calculated or based on flawed evidence. I regularly:
Challenge DWP overpayments
File Mandatory Reconsiderations (MRs) and First-tier Tribunal appeals
Argue for reduced penalties or civil outcomes instead of prosecution
Specialist in Benefit Fraud Law – unlike general criminal defence firms
National Coverage – London-based but representing clients across England and Wales via Zoom, phone, or in-person
Urgent Appointments Available – evenings and weekends
Transparent Fees – fixed rates, no hidden extras
Proven Track Record – successfully defended thousands of benefit fraud cases
Do I have to attend a DWP interview under caution?
Yes, but you should never attend without a solicitor. You may instead provide a written statement via your lawyer.
What happens if I ignore the DWP letter?
They may escalate to prosecution or stop your benefits entirely.
Can I be prosecuted even if I repay the overpayment?
Yes – repayment does not stop criminal charges.
Will the interview be recorded?
Yes – IUCs are always tape-recorded under PACE rules.
Can the DWP check my bank accounts?
Yes – they can obtain financial records through data-sharing agreements.
Call me directly on 0203 972 9011
Email: [email protected]
Or use the contact form below for urgent advice
Do not face the DWP alone. I can protect your rights, your benefits, and your future.