Expecting a letter of investigation

maddoc666

Hi everyone, i'm in desperate need of some help please.

I have been reported by a neighbour with a grudge three times now for benefit fraud, claiming i have been working whilst on benefits which is entirely untrue and have been through the customer compliance process and informed them of the situation. I know exactly who is trying to make my life misery but obviously have no proof as all calls are anonymous.

However, yesterday i had a request from a friend who works with the shows asking if i could do her a favour and give her a wee hand with them for an hour. This being a friend who has helped myself an my partner through some really tough times i agreed.

This was a favour, not a paid job, no cash involved.

Whilst i was helping my friend i noticed my troublesome neighbour take a photo of me whilst helping and i obviously know where that photo is going, straight to the jobcentre.

What can i do about this as i am really worried, i am currently in migration from ib to esa but sick to the stomach that the dwp are going to hit me hard and say i was working on the side when i was actually helping a friend. Any advice you could give would apprecited

Many thanks

merlin68

What's the nature of your illness? What sort of work was involved in helping?

maddoc666

I suffer from depression & anxiety. I was only opening and closing safety bars on the zig zags ride, nothing else involved. This neighbour and her partner have caused a lot off grief and are due to go to court regarding an incident caused by them to myself in the next month, they have bail conditions stating they are not allowed near me,my partner or household.

BigAunty

Relax. Fraud investigators are used to repeated, baseless and malicious reports.

It's probably quite intimidating for you to be under that level of surveillance by mischief makers but even if they know their 'evidence' is poor, these neighbours probably get a thrill out of winding you up, putting you under pressure, so just be kind to yourself, don't fall for their tricks.

You have nothing to hide and nothing to worry about. The DWP don't prosecute on a bit of gossip and hearsay, even if the neighbours are deluded into thinking they are building up some kind of case.

merlin68

It depends what you put in your form, like, if you stated that you can't go out. Then they have a photo of you doing this work? do you see what i'm getting at. Lot's of people with anxiety can't even go out, least of all operate fairground rides, where you have to deal with the public.
Regarding the bail conditions, you need to contact the police.

maddoc666

Thanks for the replies, i did state i normally don't go out in crowded areas unless my partner is with me and of course, the kids and herself was with me as it was bonfire night. First time i've been out in months and this kinda thing happens, this is another reason not to go out.

Was thinking of contacting the police but not sure they can do anything, sure, they were close enough to take a photo but it was also in a public place.

I'm just lost as to what i need to do keep them out of my life completely and avoid any further malicous acts. This along with worrying when i'm going to receive my next compliance letter is just putting me further down health wise.

sueturnersmith

I would definitely contact the police. They have broken their bail conditions, and are harassing you.

maddoc666

sueturnersmith wrote: »

I would definitely contact the police. They have broken their bail conditions, and are harassing you.

Yeah that's what i figured, didn't want to due to it sounding petty and the fact it may cause more grief but i have to do something.

Many thanks

make_me_wise

maddoc666 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies, i did state i normally don't go out in crowded areas unless my partner is with me and of course, the kids and herself was with me as it was bonfire night. First time i've been out in months and this kinda thing happens, this is another reason not to go out.

All your stupid troublesome neighbours have is a photo of you out and about on bonfire night with your family. You are entitled to do this and haven't broken any rules. Most of us were out doing the same.

You were helping out a mate. No money changed hands. No money has been paid into your bank. These people cant cause any trouble with one daft photo. As someone else has said, investigators time is wasted by idiots like these all the time. They would need something far more substantial, than what your neighbours can supply, before needing to see you and question you.

Do contact the police. Your neighbours are breaking conditions and therefore could potentially get themselves into far more trouble than they can get you into, from this latest stunt. They sound like right !!!!!!.

gallygirl

Your neighbours have reported you 3 times and now they have photo 'evidence' of you 'working'. I would take control of the situation and make a statement to DWP before they get a chance to do so, and check that your friend will give you a statement in support of you.

Well done for taking the steps to get back into employment and good luck.

maddoc666

make_me_wise wrote: »

They sound like right !!!!!!.

Thank you, that part alone cheered me up a bit.