Compulsory to provide phone number...?

moonrakerz

A related point - on many websites you have to give your phone number to register.

I always put 01234567890. Recently, I saw on the back of a van that 01234 is the code for Bedford, I hope no one there is getting lots of calls from companies he doesn't know !!

Labman_2

If you deserve the benefit ASAP...fill in the details. If you need to time to make up a story don't?

clairec79

I've taken claims in the past without phone numbers, not a problem - but if there is a query on the claim then it can be sorted a lot faster by a phone call than by having to write out

mrbnewc1

Entitlement to benefit is not dependant on having or providing a telephone number. It is only asked for to make contact easier.

No doubt if there was any fraud taking place, DWP would be able to obtain his telephone number from the provider anyway (if they needed to at all). In serious matters like fraud, they're more likely to make contact by letter, suspend payment or send a visiting officer round...or involve the police...or all of these.

No ifs, no buts!

Mrbnewc1

kelloggs36

mrbnewc1 wrote:

Entitlement to benefit is not dependant on having or providing a telephone number. It is only asked for to make contact easier.

No doubt if there was any fraud taking place, DWP would be able to obtain his telephone number from the provider anyway (if they needed to at all). In serious matters like fraud, they're more likely to make contact by letter, suspend payment or send a visiting officer round...or involve the police...or all of these.

No ifs, not buts!

Mrbnewc1

Extremely rarely and only to execute a warrant of arrest which will have been issued by the Court when somebody failed to attend a hearing. You are right that they will write to the person asking them to attend an interview. Depending on how much evidence they already have, it will be either a fact finding interview which will be a warning that they suspect you are committing an offence, or an interview under caution. If it is an IUC then this will be explained in the letter and the claimant has the opportunity to get legal advice etc. If the letter does not state it is an IUC then it won't be one!

DWP are more likely to phone employers to get details anyway, rather then the customer if they suspect fraud. They have data matches which throw up all those who are claiming IS, JSA and IB and who are also paying NI contributions. THe employer details are shown and it is extremely easy to get evidence by sending the employer a form to complete asking for all the details of the work carried out by the claimant and all payments made. This info is cross referenced to their claim and if they haven't declared it, that's it.

inkie

I would say that if it is compulsory that a number is provided that they should pay the line rental! Tell them that he hasn't got one.