Punishment for faking an accident and then claiming benefits.

CitizenSmith12 | 20:31 Tue 06th Mar 2012 | Criminal

25 Answers

I have an aquaintance - not really a friend - who claims to have faked an accident in the supermarket where she worked, in front of her managers, and then pretended to have injured her back. As a consequence the supermarket is now paying her a monthly income for life, in addition to the money she receives in benefits. She even has a blue disabled badge for parking.

It's possible she's exaggerated the story out of some sort of misguided bravado but I have seen her rock-climbing, ice-skating and carrying people on her back so she's guilty of at least benefit fraud.

If she was caught would she go to prison? If so for how long? I'm not going to report her because I don't want to be responsible for ruining her whole life but I thought if I told her what the consequences were she might come to her senses and give it up.

Right to receipt for siezed goods and right to copy of the police interview tape.

GBH With intent - What should we expect?

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factor30

Best Answer

If the DWP investigate and are satisfied it was fraud she could have to repay some of the money and may get a prison sentence (although that's unlikely).
I think it's right to report fraudulent claims but only if you are pretty certain of the facts.

20:49 Tue 06th Mar 2012

Go To Best Answer

EDDIE51

Spikeybush you can apply for a Blue badge online, here is the link.
http://www.direct.gov...badgescheme/DG_181208
It is automatic if you get DLA at the higher rate or have one of the other conditions mentioned, other wise you have to get a doctor to certify the application and attend a medical.

starone

Spikeybush, your GP is completely wrong. I have a blue badge because I have arthritis and have to use a stick to walk, also I cannot walk very far. The difficulty you might have is in claiming benefit including mobility allowance, but a simple blue badge is available for people with difficulty walking. I do not drive myself but take it with me for use if anyone takes me out or to appointments.

karenmac60

Mr mac was on kidney dialysis for 10 years. He just went along to the social work offices and filled out a form. I presume they checked with his GP and he got a blue badge. We never bothered to get it renewed after his transplant so I don't know if he would be eligible still or not - parking isn't much of an issue in our town cos everyone else has usually gone somewhere better :)

CitizenSmith12

Question Author

Eddies1. I'm starting to think you and others are right that she's not being payed an income for life. It seems more likely she would get a lump some and I don't see how she could have possible faked an injury that would get her off work for life anyway.

Nevertheless she is at least fraudulently claiming benefits. If she wasn't me best friends partner I would have shopped her already. I'm not someone who usually gets angry at these things - I can understand someone exaggerating an injury or cheating on a tax return but to deliberatley fake an entire injury so you can sit on your arse all day while the rest of us pay for you is another matter entirely.

I've still no idea what the punishment would be if she gets caught. That's what I was really looking for when I posted (as well as to let off a bit of steam)

Thanks all, :)

joko

i would write her an anonymous letter, detailing what you know and tell her that if she does not remedy the situation she will be reported...

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