tax credit fraud - in such a mess.

Oldernotwiser

blueopal5577 wrote: »

are for the Discussions Forum.

The individual boards and especially specific threads are for support without judgement. I understand people's views but we must be away that while this individual may not be, in future it may be someone with a bottle of pills in one hand, and a hope at their finger tips as they type. I know no one means any harm but the old adage if u cant say anything nice...


Would hate a message to a board saying "i need help" resulting in someones idea that there's no hope being confirmed

I don't know what thread you've been reading but this one has been unfailingly kind and supportive. Some posters took this too far and assured the OP that there was NO chance of a prosecution and a couple of us pointed out (quite gently) that there was, in fact, a slight possibility of this. Nobody has been critical, rude or judgemental as it's obvious that the poster is genuinely upset and regrets her mistake.

You don't give people hope by giving them incorrect information, or if you do it's false hope that can lead to making poor decisions and more trouble in the long run. I think that you're criticising the wrong thread!

alwaysonthego_2

Yes there is a small chance that the op could be prosecuted but on the other hand I have seen clients that have been caught frauding the benefit system and the worst case scenerio I have personally dealt with is clients having to pay the money back. I would go down to the cab and they maybe able to contact tax credits to find out what is happening with your case.

emsywoo123

viktory wrote: »

In response to emsywoo123, I do not condone benefit fraud in any shape or form. However, the OP has admitted she has made a huge mistake and will have to pay the money back. I think she has probably suffered quite a lot through stress and will continue to suffer through financial hardship. That is not 'getting away with it'. I think the OP has tortured herself enough about the possible outcome from her actions and there is little to be gained from giving her a hard time on here - and a prosecution would be a complete waste of time and effort. All TC are interested in is getting the overpayment repaid.

I never suggested you condoned anything..............I was asking a question.

I will not comment further on your post, as we have very differing opinions on this, but this is not the place to discuss it.
I wish the OP the best possible outcome xx

terrified01

Hi all,

I just wanted to keep you all informed really on how things are going. No real update from tax credits so whether or not that is good news or bad news I do not know. I am feeling a lot more calm about the whole situation now though, and I have not been arrested which I had myself convinced would happen! I still feel utterly ashamed and remorseful for what I have done and looking back really cant believe I did it to be honest. They have had all of my details for 3 weeks now so fingers crossed I should hear soon but in the meantime I have been managing to hold my head up high - a lot of you were right in saying the state I was in was no good for me or my kids.

I know I said this previously but I just wanted to again say, if anyone is reading this and is in a situation whereby they are claiming tax credits they are knowingly not entitled to then get in touch with TCO to sort things out because they will catch up with you in the end and it is really, really not worth it.

SuziQ

So gld you are feeling calmer,terrified!
You have done the right thing and I hope it all gets sorted soon for you.

carroger

I am not sure if this is any help but I have a friend that got custody of his kids in january after a while and getting court custody he applied for tc they waited a few weeks then told him that he couldn't have them because his ex had already just claimed for the kids and they were paying her . Any way after 4 mths they finally paid him . She hadn't had the kids when she claimed and knew that they were to stay with the father on a long term basis and she made a totally false claim ... finally he got paid but the rules say that only 3mths so he missed money for the kids etc and she has not been prosecuted in any way at all other than being asked for the money back ...we all do things that we later regret and I don't meet many people that are perfect ...worring will not help you to look after your family or get through things any better ......I wish you all the best judging you doesn't help you

kelloggs36

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I'm sure you mean this kindly but the truth is that benefit fraud is a criminal offence and there is a large sum of money involved.

OP, you've done absolutely the right thing by owning up, and from now on you must be absolutely honest about this. Hopefully you'll be allowed to pay the money back and avoid prosecution as I believe that this often happens. I certainly don't think you need to worry about police knocking at the door.

Perhaps you'd feel more prepared if you saw a solicitor about this? The CAB will be able to put you in touch with firms that offer a free half an hour's advice with a solicitor, which may allay your worries. Good luck.

As I used to be a Benefits Fraud Investigator, I feel I know what I am talking abuot. We could not take legal action against somebody who pre-empted an interview and admitted their offence. All we could do was to get the overpayment calculated and they were required to repay it.

[Deleted User]

carroger wrote: »

I am not sure if this is any help but I have a friend that got custody of his kids in january after a while and getting court custody he applied for tc they waited a few weeks then told him that he couldn't have them because his ex had already just claimed for the kids and they were paying her . Any way after 4 mths they finally paid him . She hadn't had the kids when she claimed and knew that they were to stay with the father on a long term basis and she made a totally false claim ... finally he got paid but the rules say that only 3mths so he missed money for the kids etc and she has not been prosecuted in any way at all other than being asked for the money back ...we all do things that we later regret and I don't meet many people that are perfect ...worring will not help you to look after your family or get through things any better ......I wish you all the best judging you doesn't help you

If he applied straight away for the tax credits he can request the backdating to the date he was awarded custody. Tax credits can be backdated for up to 3 months from the date he applied, not the date he was awarded.

facingthefuture

Good luck op, we have a substantial overpayment (due to husband being self employed and books always being a year behind). All that they do is deduct it over a period of time from this years payments. It is a pain but the staff are really nice and try to be as fair as they can.

dippy3103

Terrified 01. You did do the right thing in coming clean.

I don't know what HMRC prosecution policy re tax credit fraud is. I can tell you that DWP/most LA's would not treat coming clean at the start of an investigation as a voluntry disclosure and therefore not prosecute. However, your early admission, full co-operation and obvious remorse will go in your favour. If they did prosecute, this would be taken into account when sentencing you. On the face of it, i would be very very suprised if you went to prison.

You did wrong- you know you did. All you can do now is face up to whatever happens- beating yourself up is not going to change a thing. Perhaps you could ring the compliance officer and ask what stage the case is at?