Would you/Could you?

[kariah]

If you knew of someone committing benefit fraud, would you report them?

The person involved claims every conceivable benefit (stating needs a carer to leave the house, etc) but has worked full time for over two years and hits the nightclubs at least twice weekly.

I dont want to be a snitch but in my eyes, its just wrong!

[ummmm]

Mugging is an act of violence. Benefit fraud isn't.

[THECORBYLOON]

sandyroe, if you had witnessed a crime, would you not report it?

[gness]

Sandy. Children were encouraged to report parents for anti-Nazi criticism not for a committing a crime. This, if correct, should be reported.

[EDDIE51]

As ummmm says I am very suprised that people commiting fraud on this scale let others know what is going on. I think there is a chance this person is just winding you up kariah. you say they work full time , then their Ni number will come up on the data base as paying tax and national insurance . The benefits agency have that data and be able to see what the person is earning . Unless of course they are also working 'cash in hand' and evading tax and NI as well .

[starone]

This crime is so prevalent in these days it is a wonder the authorities don't arrest everyone on benefits. I think they only investigate if they receive information from someone so the quicker you report them the better. I have a friend who is in trouble at the moment, and although I am trying to help her with advice, I do not agree at all with what she has done. It is stealing from the rest of us. I think you should make sure you are right before going ahead or you might cause trouble for an innocent person.

[joko]

if thes person is a neighbour or friend - why dont you warn them to stop first?

give them chance to stop

an anonymous letter stating you know what they are claiming and if it doesnt stop you will report them?

[joko]

some one once told me they'd faked an official looking letter to their BIL... because they couldnt report him as he was family but it made them angry ...it worked though...the fear of being investigated put a stop to his claims.

the letter basically said somethin like -
due to the increase in fraudulent claims, all claimants are scheduled to be investigated thoroughly, and your name is due to be assessed soon by our fraud officers.
you may not be aware when the assesment starts.

[lozzer50]

report them!!!!!! how many people take the money fraudulently ! my daughter struggles with everyday life but because she can make a cup of tea and a sandwich she was told basically to sod off by the benefit people. i really dont know how these scroungers get away with it when genuine people get turned away its disgusting!!!!!

[China Doll]

I could if I thought the person was taking the pee. I probably wouldn't if I saw someone who was struggling happened to fal on hard times, was struggling to bring up a child and who perhaps took a couple of cash in hand cleaning jobs. I don't think things like this are always black and white. I also don't understand why someone who was living the high life on benefits (having been on them once I really don't understand how this is possible), would even mention they're receving benefits, if it was me I would very much keep my trap shut!

[joko]

i agree china, the odd extra few quid here and there, now and again, i would not mind but people claiming all sorts - such as for dead people or carers allowance etc, while doing a well paid job etc - i may do

it would depend on the person for me though... if a pal i would try to get them to stop of their own accord rather than just shop them

[lcg]

yes! of course it's wrong and i'd report them in a heartbeat. my hubby has lost his esa payments and as a result, my household is extremely short of money now. in addition to caring for him, doing all the housework etc. and having to work an extra 40 hours a week to scrape through i have to do my normal full time job. it's scroungers and wastrels that you describe that have led to the government stripping genuinely disabled people of their rightful help. i hated my life before we lost that benefit due to my *** job....but now i hate it even more. i worked 34 hours this weekend so that i can buy food next week and support my son at uni. i'm at my wits end.....report him. he's scum!

[joko]

scum is a bit harsh for many of them

some dont realise the knock on effect of falsely claiming- they just think its free money and the government has plenty

there are of course a few who actively scam the system - they are the scumbag ones