Benefit Fraud

[memoblock]

Does anyone know the procedure if someone is caught doing Benefit Fraud please?

I know of someone who is claiming housing benefits and Job Seekers allowance and has recently started working full time getting paid cash in hand and not declaring their earnings.

I am torn between keeping quiet or phoning the Benefit Fraud helpline...?

What should I do?

I know they say these reports are all confidential, but I would hate this person to narrow it down to me who has reported them because I doubt not many, if anyone else knows such details.

What happens once a phone call is made please?

Does it take long for their investigations to start?

What are their investigations?

What would be the outcome?

Will they be in serious trouble?

I feel mean even thinking about making the call, but it just greaves me to know that they are getting away with it.

Please help!

Thank you.

[tinkerbell23]

they are wrong but i dont think i would have shopped em...but whats done is done....ull feel ok soon ..u did what you thought was right...not always easy xx

[Answerprancer]

"Would you report someone who had stolen your possessions.
No different really to report a benefit fraudster. They are stealing from you (and everybody else)".

Yes it *is* different: there is no direct victim.

My opinion is this: is the person in question in dire straits financially? Do they have a family to support? If so, I'd hold back on grassing them up until they are on the straight and level. If ultimately you *do* think they should be grassed up then at least tell them how you feel to their face before you let rip to the authorities.

[ummmm]

For all you know then they might have told them as you can still claim for a while after starting work....so you don't go short while waiting for pay.

Don't worry.

[memoblock]

Tinkerbell, I so wish I hadn't, Im freezing cold here and i keep shaking because I feel so wretched and cruel to have done such a thing.
ok, fair play if it was someone I didn't really know etc, but to a so called friend, god, how low can one get?!

[memoblock]

Really Ummm? Oh I hope so.
But, it sounds doubtful if theyre being paid cash in hand doesn't it?

[Answerprancer]

..whoops, sorry - I didn't read down and see that you'd already acted (I hope it wasn't from the influence of a fascist like Loftielottie).
Fingers crossed for a happy outcome.

[ummmm]

If it's only been a few weeks why did you do it. They might have been just making sure the job would last.

[tinkerbell23]

awww memo i dont mean to kick u wen ur down...we all make mistakes huh? try not to get upset ...we all mess up sometimes...and i doubt it would be traced to u..and if so! deny all knowledge!! chin up !

[memoblock]

I know what you're saying Answerprancer, but when it's a friend (not a close close friend, but still a friend nevertheless) it's different.

[memoblock]

I know Ummmm, WHY did I do it??? That's what I keep asking myself. How cruel of me. I hate myself for it.

Thank you Tinkerbell, but I can't help it, I feel sh*t. I can't stop the tears.

I just wish I could turn back the clock and undo everything.

I deserve bad to come to me in return for what I did today.

[ummmm]

There is a chance that they won't investigate. There is a chance that she likes the job and will sign off. There is a chance that she's already told them.

Worrying will get you nowhere and won't change anything. So take a deep breath, calm down and just accept that you can't change it now.

[tinkerbell23]

aww memo...technically you done the right thing....try not to beat urself up like i say we all mess up....!!!!!! only way we learn !! awww take care :0(

[Answerprancer]

Memoblock - you did what you believed to be right at the time, don't think about it too much, what's done is done. If you seriously regret this, talk to the person concerned and explain what you did and tell them how bad you feel about it.

[ELVIS68]

I "grassed" someone up near me for having no car tax, twice, both times the cars have been lifted and now he cycles to work...fook him, I have to pay why shouldn`t he

ps, both times the tax was out of date by six months

[memoblock]

Thank you Tinkerbell,Thank you Ummmm,
Thanks for listening. I needed someone to talk to about it tonight, so thanks for your time, help and advice. It's been gtreatly appreciated xxx

Ummmm, I hope you're right about the signing off bit, but I doubt it because the wages they're getting paid wouldn't be enough to cover rent and living expenses etc.

Thanks again for sparing me your time tonight.

[ummmm]

You can still get help when you work....so try not to worry x

[Mamyalynne]

memo, what's done is done. If it's only been a few weeks the consequences won't be great for them. You have to move on, you thought it through and made your decision, we only learn from experience and all will resolve.

[ELVIS68]

I`d advise you not to talk the person involved just incase he/she is a nutter

[tinkerbell23]

no probs memo chin up xx

[Answerprancer]

Elvis, you are a cowardly, bitter, resentful (and probably lonely) little Finance Specialist.