Guidance

Legal Aid Agency Counter Fraud and Intelligence

How to report suspected fraudulent activity to the LAA.

• From: Legal Aid Agency
• Published: 2 July 2014
• Last updated: 20 July 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 20 July 2026

     The Civil Representations webpage has been removed and consolidated within the Legal Aid Agency's Counter Fraud reporting pages. This change has been made to simplify the way members of the public raise concerns about legal aid applications by providing a single, clearer route for reporting suspected fraud or misuse of public funds. The updated Counter Fraud webpage has been refreshed to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easier to navigate. Bringing Civil Representations and Counter Fraud reporting together will improve accessibility, reduce duplication of information across GOV.UK, and make it easier for users to identify the most appropriate route for submitting concerns.

  2. 1 August 2025

     Reporting Fraud form updated

  3. 31 October 2022

     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.

  4. 7 September 2022

     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.

  5. 18 July 2019

     We've added guidance on phone scamming and what to do if you receive a suspicious call.

  6. 2 July 2014

     First published.

Applies to England and Wales

Counter Fraud and Intelligence Team

The Counter Fraud and Intelligence (CFI) team safeguards public funds to ensure only eligible individuals receive legal aid services. CFI is responsible for investigating allegations of fraud, bribery and corruption in relation to the legal aid fund. This includes dealing with concerns relating to legal aid providers, their third-party contractors and recipients of legal aid funding.

Report fraud, bribery and corruption against the LAA

To report suspected fraud, bribery or corruption, you should use the digital reporting tool, Reporting Fraud form which permits anonymous reporting. Alternatively, you can email LAACounterFraud@justice.gov.uk

We take every allegation of fraud seriously and each referral is assessed by our Triage team. However, in the interests of privacy and protection of third-party information, we regret we are not able to provide case updates or outcomes.

Civil legal aid application – third‑party concern

Use this option if you are concerned that someone may not be eligible for civil legal aid.

For example, this may apply if you believe a person:

• does not meet the financial eligibility criteria
• does not meet the legal merits criteria for civil legal aid

If this describes your concern, please complete the Civil Legal Aid Third‑party Concern Form so it can be considered by the correct team.

Other issues

If you are concerned about activity that is not fraud, bribery or corruption, you can report general complaints via the LAA Complaints team. Their contact details are available on the associated link:Complaints procedure