As a Fraud Investigator, you’ll be at the frontline of protecting public funds and ensuring accuracy in the welfare system.
You’ll investigate benefit fraud and error, using your curiosity, confidence and commitment to doing the right thing. You’ll gather and analyse evidence, conduct interviews under caution, and prepare cases for potential prosecution.
This is a legally empowered role. You’ll use Authorised Officer powers to request and review information, ensuring investigations meet legal standards. You may be required to attend court or tribunals, and will work closely with partners such as HMRC, local authorities, and the police. You’ll also raise fraud awareness and contribute to continuous improvements across the department.
To succeed, you’ll need sound judgment, adaptability, and excellent communication skills. You’ll work both independently and as part of a team, handling sensitive investigations with professionalism and integrity.
If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and help protect the integrity of the welfare system, apply now to become a Fraud Investigator with DWP.
Hear from Ashleigh about life as an Investigations Officer
Show video transcript
- My names Ashley and I'm a fraud investigator in CFCD. I've been a Civil Servant for just under two years and I've been in this role since June 2025, after previously working as a Jobcentre Work Coach.
- So what do I do? Well, my job involves investigating benefit fraud. Fraud is the biggest reported crime in the UK so we're always kept busy.
- My job has many stages and it's genuinely so interesting. It starts when we receive referrals from the public or other government agencies. Once they reach us, we begin by navigating all the DWP systems to gather evidence.
- Then we analyse the information and if suitable, we progress the case to interview under caution. After that, we obtain an overpayment calculation, prepare the case for decision makers and if appropriate, look to take it forward to criminal prosecution.
- All the time we do consider any vulnerabilities our customers have and we address them appropriately. I work with a great team of people with varied experience and we're all focused on tackling fraud and protecting the public purse.
- What I love at my job is honestly it's a variety. Every day is different. I've learnt so much already and it never feels like work.
- One of my proudest moments was being part of the first ever cohort of the Scotland Investigation Academy. The academy has been set up to provide structured training to fraud investigators, making sure that everyone has the skills to do the job well.
- It's run by experienced fraud investigators from our teams, so they're always there as mentors to support us and they have first-hand experience of the job which makes a huge difference when it comes to learning.
- CFCD is a brilliant place to work because of the culture, the development opportunities and the chance to really make a difference. There's loads of opportunities to progress if that's something that you're interested in.
- If you're thinking of applying, I'd say go for it. It's a great opportunity to learn, grow and make a difference. You don't need to have any previous fraud experience, just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
- Thanks for watching. I do hope this gave you a little insight into the role and what it's like working here. Keep an eye on Civil Service Jobs for roles in your area and we'd love to have you on board.
Why I enjoy my job – The work is interesting and is different every day; the work itself is meaningful work and there is great satisfaction when you get the right conclusion in a case. Managers let you manage your own workload and are always supportive and hybrid working allows for a positive work-life balance.
Gary – Investigations Officer
Working in investigations is more than uncovering facts – it’s about seeking truth, delivering justice, and making a real difference in people’s lives. Every case is a puzzle, every detail matters, and every outcome has the power to protect and transform communities.
Tina – Investigations Leader
People often ask, “Why fraud?” — and I never have a perfect answer other than it just feels natural. There’s something deeply rewarding about uncovering the truth, protecting public funds, and helping maintain trust in the system. It might sound a cliché, but for me, this really is more than a job — it’s a calling.
Olivia – Investigations Officer
Training
Alongside your mandatory apprenticeship training, all new Fraud Investigators will have additional training support provided by the National Investigations Academy.
The academy provides DWP specific introductory modules along with DWP Investigations specific operational modules. You will attend the academy for a total of 16 weeks over a 9-month period; breaks are built in to allow you to consolidate your new skills in the live environment.
You will be supported by a team of coaches with mentors providing tailored support to give you the skills to succeed in your role.
Government Counter Fraud Profession
To support your professional development within CFCD, DWP is committed to helping you gain and maintain membership of the Government Counter Fraud Profession (GCFP).
The GCFP is a cross-Government initiative that sets the standard for counter fraud work across the public sector. It provides a clear framework for developing specialist skills, maintaining integrity, and delivering excellence in fraud prevention, detection and investigation.
The core capabilities required for GCFP membership will be developed naturally through your day-to-day responsibilities, such as conducting interviews, analysing complex information, and making evidence-based decisions.
Achieving and retaining GCFP membership formally recognises your expertise and commitment to professional standards. It also supports your career progression and opens up further opportunities within the wider counter fraud community.
Counter Fraud Investigator Apprenticeship
At the DWP, we’re committed to building a skilled, professional fraud investigation workforce. That’s why all Fraud Investigators receive comprehensive training to ensure they’re fully equipped for the role.
In England and Wales, all new investigators will be enrolled on the Level 4 Counter Fraud Investigator Apprenticeship (CFIA), a nationally recognised qualification that provides the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to investigate fraud effectively. The structured programme lasts approx. 18 months and includes full-time learning, which may require travel.
If you already hold an equivalent qualification, such as the Accredited Counter Fraud Investigator Programme (ACFIP) or Professionalism in Security (PinS), you won’t need to repeat the apprenticeship.
In Scotland, new investigators will complete the ACFIP qualification, which is also mandatory and may involve travel.
All investigators are expected to undertake any future mandatory learning relevant to their role. If a qualification is not achieved, we’ll work with you to explore alternative roles within CFCD in line with our Workforce Management Policy.
Shape your future with us
We’re hiring across the UK – and new opportunities are added all the time.
Find out more about working in DWP
Head back to our home page to find out about our culture, benefits and the people that make DWP