benefit fraud interview/interview under caution (merged)

sikipoo

After claiming non means tested benefits for the past 10 yrs, i have had a very upsetting letter today asking me to see someone from the fraud team. The wording goes as follows...

we need to visit you to discuss a question which has arisen concerning your claim to benefits
. There may have been a change in your circs that you have not reported.

I am worried out of my mind as i have done nothing wrong that i can think of.

Anyone who has had this happen to them at all?

Thanks

jenpoptab

Have you done any voluntary work that they may think you are being paid for?

barbie_babe

has a son or daughter living in your house just started working .

jenpoptab

Obviously it can't be anything to do with savings either. I'd not worry too much. It may be because they are getting a grilling in the press and may be getting told to look at people who have claimed for certain length of time. If you have nothing to hide you will be fine.

Fran

Which benefits are you on? You could give Citizens Advice a ring or call in and explain your present situation and tell them if anything has changed to see what they say. If they are asking you to do a taped interview tell CAB as they can possibly go with you (depending on bureau resources), in any case make sure you take someone with you. You could try giving a ring to the phone no. on the letter to see if they will tell you more.

sikipoo

No change in my circs at all, so i am mystified why they want to interview me and am worried sick as well.
I can only think that perhaps someone has maliciously reported me or for some reason they think i am working.
I will let you know the outcome.
Thanks for all your replies.

elaine373

Easy i know, for me to say dont worry but if you havent had any changes and have previously always been declaring all details, then you really shouldnt worry, If some-one has been malicious then i guess all they are doing is checking out some details.All the postings i have read here have turned out far better than the person expected. When are you seeing them?
If you had done something wrong then you would know what this is about, surely?? Good luck and keep us posted on the outcome, Regards, Elaine

wazza

Hi, i have also had a fraud letter few weeks ago and know how you feel. Go to CAB or a local welfare benefit officer or if you are up to it ring the fraud department and ask what its about. They MIGHT give you more information. See if you can get a CAB rep to attend the meeting with you. Ring around for a solicitor and ask for representative under legal aid. You might get a majority of solicitors who may say since you are not arrested they cannot attend under legal aid but you may have to pay for it. Dont let if put you off. Ring around and you will find one who will do it for free as long as you are still receiving benefits. I eventually found one. I used this website

http://www.clsdirect.org.uk/directory/directorySearch?lang=en

you need to type/select crime in one of the fields.

From my experience the letter they send you sound much worse than it does. In my interview the interviewer was pleasant and easy to get along with. Dont know if its an act to gain trust.

I know it's easily said than done but don't worry.

sikipoo

Thanks for replying. Was it the same wording on the letter as mine?
They are suggesting i may have had a change of circs, which i have not reported.

I am wondering if some kind soul has reported me, although heaven knows what for.

I am just worried in case they have been following me, although i shouldnt be i know, no reason to be.But i would have thought if there was a question mark over my elijability, that firstly they would have sent me for a medical and fired awkward questions at me.

Thanks again

mandi_moles

Are you in receipt of DLA ? When we got our first car on motorbility we had a visit from the fraud squad as some ignorant idiot in the street had assumed it was ours and we must be working in order to afford it. Or DLA have had reports that you can do somthing you claim you cant.
The one thing you must not do it take it personally... They dont know you, they only know your details...stay calm and it will be ok.

owey

Been there a long time ago, what ever they ask you just tell them the truth as they will already have the information they need, not that you have anything to hide.