Elderly dad may be being conned

RAS

Ma_Boswell wrote: »

i thought you had to prove you could support yourself before you came to study?

Until last year, there were a number of ways that people could get round it for longer courses.

Now they have to show they have the money in their bank account.

Slight problem because in some countries, agents set up to loan people the required sum for 6 weeks, so they have bank statements showing they can "support" themselves. They then return the money with interest.

If the student your dad spoke to is on a short course (less than 6 months), they are not allowed to work. Most other students can work.

shelly

Ma_Boswell wrote: »

I have a feeling that Dad is his own worst enemy and I believe that it may be an early sign of dementia though he seems otherwise perfectly ok.

If your Dad was giving money away and couldn't remember doing so I'd say that may be an early sign of dementia but from what you have written about your Father (and in my limited experience of having a Nan who had dementia when she died) he seems to me to be fine and fully aware of what is going on (just won't accept/admit it's something that shouldn't be happening)

Ma_Boswell

Thanks Shelly - its not something I have experience of, so I wasn't sure and to be honest he has always been impulsive so its probably just that. RAS - useful info, thank you - this person apparently is here with a wife and children so I assume not for a short time but they should still not be asking for money from a pensioner.The irony is that he has always been very strict about it being bad manners to ask for money - he has lent me and my late ex-husband money but it was always on the understanding it would be repaid- and it was. Ah well, I realised long ago that good behaviour gets you nowhere - trouble is for us children of the fifties it was hammered into us so hard that it won't go away!

All the best

Ma x

RAS

Ma_Boswell wrote: »

this person apparently is here with a wife and children so I assume not for a short time but they should still not be asking for money from a pensioner.

People on short student visitor visas (less than 6 months) are not allowed to bring accompanying family with them, although there is nothing to stop the family coming as tourists during their stay.

So if they have family, they should be on a full student visa and have already provided evidence that they can support themselves. More importantly, they would be allowed to work part-time in the term and full time during holidays. Their spouse can work full-time.

So it sounds as if this person is not on a student visa of any sort. More likely they are seeking asylum, which means they are not allowed to work, and they have registered at college where they can get free education up to A level standard. Unless a college have allowed them to sign up for a course whilst on a visitor (tourist) visa, which i doubt given the new rules.

I think you should not say anything to the church until you have managed to find out more about the woman.

Then perhaps ask the church leader if he is aware that this man is asking older church memebers for substantial hand-outs. I would be every surprised if the church leader is not aware of all sorts of front-line help for people in hardship.

Ma_Boswell

Thanks for that RAS - its handy to have the facts behind me when i start asking questions. And i think you are right - one thing at a time. You would think the minister would know that sort of thing - and like any church they don't want any accusations levelled at them. At this rate i'll be making a list of people to deal with!

Ma x

Ma_Boswell

Hi again everyone
Just an update - I got her name and address - thought I'd have to be a bit sneaky but Dad wants to know about her passport problems and actually asked me to look into it, which made me feel better about it. I've had a search on the internet to no avail and spoken to the Home Office - they said email them so I have - trouble is that they can't give out any info but if they look into her case they will hopefully either (a) scare her off or (b) sort out her passport so she can work. Will see what happens - I've told Dad not to pay her rent again and he seems pretty convinced that its a bad idea but if she asks again I'll step things up a bit- Safeguarding Team and maybe ask the police.

Will let you know what happens and thanks again for all the help

RAS

Ma

Can you pm the details to me? I can find the info re the general rules on the net easily.

The Home Office will not talk to anyone other than the person involved in the visa application unless that person is with them and the person concerned with the visa gives their permssion over the phone. It is almost impossible to get any generic help from them either, got that t-shirt.

There are very strict rules about who can give immigration advice because people were being ripped off royally by people with no knowledge. So all advisors are either general advisors or specialist who are allowed to act on behalf of the client. See http://www.oisc.gov.uk/

RAS

MA

Lost a long post.

Will re-do tomorrow as I have to go.

Ma_Boswell

RAS

Will "see" you tomorrow - wn't be on til well after lunch myself. Have a nice evening.

Ma

SallyUK

Hi Ma

Just been thinking about you and wondered how you were getting on with this?

Sal
x