Penalty Info

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FraudVerified against official source

Verified against official source

This range was checked against the official legal text. Last verified: 2026-10-19.

Statutory range

Fraud (ss.1–4) — summary

Imprisonment
0 (no mandatory prison) – 12 months (general limit in a magistrates' court)
Fine
Unlimited fine (statutory maximum)

0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.

Either-way.

Fraud (ss.1–4) — on indictment

Imprisonment
0 (no mandatory prison) – 10 years
Fine
Unlimited fine

0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.

Obtaining services dishonestly (s.11) — summary

Imprisonment
0 (no mandatory prison) – 12 months (general limit in a magistrates' court)
Fine
Unlimited fine (statutory maximum)

0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.

Either-way.

Obtaining services dishonestly (s.11) — on indictment

Imprisonment
0 (no mandatory prison) – 5 years
Fine
Unlimited fine

0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.

Note on this entry

Fraud by false representation, by failing to disclose information, and by abuse of position all carry the same maximum under s.1. No loss-amount tiers in the statute.

Source

Statute
Fraud Act 2006 ss.1–4 (fraud); s.11 (obtaining services dishonestly)
Official source
legislation.gov.uk
Verification status
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Loss amount, priors, plea, discretion, aggravating/mitigating factors. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.