Centrelink Fraud Lawyers Sydney

Charged with Centrelink fraud or under investigation for alleged welfare fraud? Our defence lawyers provide strategic, discreet and experienced representation for Centrelink fraud charges across NSW.

We defend you with precision, urgency and unwavering support – available 24/7 when you need us most.

Lawyers Available 24/7

1st Legal Strategy Session
FREE

Clients Defended

0 +

Years of Prison Reduced

0 +

Years of Experience

0 +

Expert Representation for Your Centrelink Fraud Charge

If you’ve been accused of Centrelink fraud, Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers can help. We defend individuals facing allegations of welfare fraud, false reporting and benefit overpayments, working to protect you from convictions, jail and long-term consequences.

From the outset, we examine Centrelink records, income reporting history, data-matching material, bank statements, employment records and the prosecution case. Our focus is to identify errors, over-calculations or gaps in intent, and to build a clear defence strategy from day one.

We represent clients in matters involving:

What Is Centrelink Fraud?

Centrelink fraud involves dishonestly obtaining or keeping welfare payments you were not entitled to receive. This may include failing to report income, under-reporting earnings, misrepresenting relationships or providing false information to Centrelink.

To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove intentional dishonesty, not mere mistake. Many cases arise from complex reporting obligations, system errors or misunderstood income rules. Penalties vary depending on the amount involved and whether the conduct is alleged to be deliberate, ranging from fines and repayment orders to criminal convictions and jail in serious cases.

Centrelink Fraud Penalties & Jail Risk

Centrelink fraud penalties vary widely. Less serious matters may be dealt with through repayment, fines or non-conviction outcomes. More serious allegations, particularly high-value or prolonged fraud, can lead to criminal convictions and imprisonment.

Whether jail applies depends on:

The amount allegedly obtained
The duration of the conduct
Whether dishonesty can be proven
Any prior criminal history

Avoiding a conviction is often possible with early, strategic defence.

98% Success Rate

Call a Lawyer Now

ONLINE ENQUIRY

Talk to a Lawyer Now

Arrested or Charged?

Lawyers Available 24/7

What Our Clients Say

How We Defend Centrelink Fraud Allegations

Centrelink fraud allegations can have serious consequences for your freedom, finances and future. At Daoud Legal, we act quickly to understand the allegation, assess the Centrelink material and build a clear, strategic defence from the outset.

1. Immediate Legal Support – We explain the allegation, outline potential penalties and help you avoid statements or actions that could harm your case. Early advice is critical.

2. Evidence Review & Defence Strategy – We analyse Centrelink records, income reporting data, bank statements and investigation material to identify errors, assumptions or gaps in intent.

3. Negotiation & Charge Review – Many matters involve misunderstandings or calculation issues. Where appropriate, we engage early with prosecutors to seek charge reductions, amendments or withdrawals.

4. Court Representation – If the matter proceeds, we present strong arguments to challenge dishonesty, dispute intent and minimise any potential penalty.

5. Ongoing Support & Guidance – Centrelink fraud cases can be stressful and complex. We keep you informed and supported at every stage so you always know what to expect.

When to Seek Legal Help for Centrelink Fraud

If you’ve been accused of Centrelink fraud, contacted by investigators, or questioned about your payments, income or reporting history, seek legal advice immediately. Early guidance is essential, as misunderstandings or reporting errors can quickly escalate into criminal fraud charges.

Getting help straight away allows you to:

Understand the allegations and what must be proven
Avoid statements that may be misinterpreted
Identify errors or gaps in Centrelink data or calculations
Gather documents or evidence that support your position
Reduce the risk of charges progressing
Prepare a clear strategy before interviews or court dates

Whether you’re under investigation or have received a Court Attendance Notice, don’t wait.

Call Daoud Legal on (02) 9188 0999 for urgent advice. Our Sydney Centrelink fraud lawyers are available 24/7 to protect your rights and your future.

Robert Daoud

Principal Lawyer

We build a powerful & proactive defence from the very beginning. We prepare & identify every weakness in the prosecution’s case to secure your defence.

Our lawyers are your fierce advocates, both in & out of the courtroom. We are committed to protecting your rights, your future, and your peace of mind with fearless representation.

Your Best Defence Starts Here

Have Sydney's Best Lawyers For Centrelink Fraud On Your Side

When you’re facing a Centrelink fraud charge, having a formidable legal team in your corner is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. At Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers, our reputation for relentless advocacy and strategic excellence is why we are consistently involved in significant, high-profile cases.

Our work, often highlighted by the media, demonstrates our commitment to every client. We apply the same level of tenacity and expert skill to your case, ensuring you feel protected and have a clear path forward.

Upfront, Fixed-Fee Representation

1st Legal Strategy Session
FREE

Talk to a Lawyer Now

Arrested or Charged?

Lawyers Available 24/7

Why Choose Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers

When you engage Daoud Legal, you gain a team committed to protecting your rights with professionalism, empathy and skill. We’re not general practitioners, we’re specialists in criminal law, focused solely on achieving the best possible outcome for every client. From your first call to the final result, you’ll have clarity, confidence, and experienced defence on your side.

97%

Penalty Reduction Achieved

98%

Client Satisfaction Rate

A WINNING RECORD

We have a proven track record defending Centrelink fraud allegations, achieving withdrawn charges, reduced penalties and strong results for clients across NSW.

EXPERT FINANCIAL CRIME DEFENCE

With over 40 years of combined experience, our senior lawyers are highly skilled in defending welfare fraud, Centrelink investigations and Commonwealth fraud prosecutions.

FREE STRATEGY SESSION & 24/7 HELP

Your first Strategy Session is free. We review your situation, explain your options and provide immediate support – available around the clock when early action matters most.

FIXED-FEE CERTAINTY

Centrelink fraud matters can be overwhelming. Our fixed-fee structure ensures clear, predictable costs from the outset.

STRATEGIC, PERSONALISED DEFENCE

No two Centrelink fraud cases are the same. We examine reporting records, payment histories and investigation material to craft a defence tailored precisely to your situation.

CLEAR, HONEST COMMUNICATION

We break down complex Centrelink fraud allegations into clear, practical advice, keeping you informed and confident throughout every stage of your case.

Talk to a Lawyer Now

Arrested or Charged?

Lawyers Available 24/7

FAQs

What can be considered Centrelink fraud?

Centrelink fraud involves dishonestly obtaining or keeping welfare payments you were not entitled to receive. Common examples of welfare fraud include:

Failing to declare income from employment or cash work
Under-reporting earnings or hours worked
Not declaring a partner or change in relationship status
Failing to disclose assets, savings or investments
Continuing to receive payments after returning to work
Providing false or misleading information to Centrelink

Of course, not every overpayment amounts to fraud. However, once an allegation is made, the consequences can escalate quickly, which is why early legal advice is critical if you are accused.

What triggers a Centrelink fraud investigation?

Centrelink fraud investigations commonly begin through:

Data matching with the ATO, employers or banks
Income reporting discrepancies
Tip-offs or audits
Reviews of long-term or high-value payments

An investigation does not automatically mean you will be charged, but it should always be taken seriously.

What does the prosecution need to prove in a Centrelink fraud case?

To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove that you received or kept Centrelink payments you were not entitled to and did so dishonestly. An overpayment alone is not enough – mistakes, confusion or system errors may prevent a finding of criminal fraud.

Can Centrelink make me repay money even if fraud isn’t proven?

Yes. Centrelink can pursue repayment of an overpayment as a civil debt even if criminal fraud charges are not laid or are withdrawn. Repayment does not automatically mean you committed fraud, but how the debt is handled can influence whether the matter escalates into a criminal investigation, which is why early legal advice is important.

Should I speak to Centrelink investigators?

No, not without legal advice. Statements made during interviews can be misunderstood or used against you. A Centrelink fraud lawyer can deal with investigators on your behalf and protect your position.

What happens if I admit a mistake to Centrelink?

Admissions made to Centrelink can be relied on later by investigators or prosecutors, even if you believed you were simply clarifying a mistake. Statements may be interpreted as evidence of knowledge or intent. Before providing explanations, documents or admissions, it is critical to obtain legal advice to protect your position.

What defences are available for Centrelink fraud charges?

Common defences may include a lack of intent or dishonesty, an honest mistake, incorrect Centrelink calculations, system or administrative errors, or unreliable evidence. Many people are accused despite believing they complied, which is why each case must be assessed on its specific facts and records.

Do Centrelink fraud charges always go to court?

Not always. Many Centrelink fraud matters resolve through early negotiation, charge withdrawals, reductions or non-conviction outcomes where evidence is weak or intent cannot be proven.