Friends sponging off benefits, so disappointed

lottee

sheryldoc wrote:

Most people (thankfully) think benefit fraud is wrong.. However the one who report peeps or get all worked up about it always seem to have an agenda its the ex bf/jelousy/fallen out with the person/dont like the person etc etc rather than it being for the greater good its more of a way of getting back at someone and thats jst pathetic.

Not too sure how you can generalise on this one. I haven't had the need to report anyone as yet, but I wouldn't hesitate to do so if & when I come across a fraudster. The only agenda I would have is the fact that they are breaking the law, & why should we (not 'me' but all of us) go out to work in order to support their lazy lifestyle. Which if they are caught & fined, or made to pay monies back - that is surely 1 less sponger not abusing the system - I think thats for the greater good, as you put it.

BTW, even if it is to get back at someone - ex partner or not, ex friend or not, why is it pathetic?

peter999

lottee wrote:

BTW, even if it is to get back at someone - ex partner or not, ex friend or not, why is it pathetic?

What ??
Did you actually say that !!

This would be worse than the bullying on Big Brother.

Read this:

Morglin wrote:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=350388&page=4

If someone is reported for "fraud", then it is looked into.

If nothing seems to happen, then it's usually that the "reporter" didn't know the full facts, and those that looked into it, did.

To be honest, so many of these reports are malicious and a tool for revenge, which means the system gets bogged down in looking at nonsense allegations, which can mean the real fraudsters get away with it.

To anyone wrongly accused of fraud, it can be incredibly worrying and stressful - why should an innocent person be subjected to possible suspension of benefit and maybe an interview under caution, because someone reports them not knowing the full story or who wants a bit of "own back"?:mad: :mad:

Grow up.
.

Jo_R_2

sheryldoc wrote:

Most people (thankfully) think benefit fraud is wrong.. However the one who report peeps or get all worked up about it always seem to have an agenda its the ex bf/jelousy/fallen out with the person/dont like the person etc etc rather than it being for the greater good its more of a way of getting back at someone and thats jst pathetic.

I AM NOT SAYIN THIS IS THE OPs REASON.. although she did admit to being jelous about the money im jst saying most peeps do the right thing for the wrong reasons.

I had a think about this... Envious I would say - of course it would be great to have that sort of money instead of having to budget, worry about spending an extra pound and not have to buy the budget brands, to be able to buy things outright instead of paying for them for a few years. But at the end of the day, if I reported them because I felt jealous, it wouldn't get me any extra money would it? I'd still be living off the same amount of wages and tax credits.

As for what I'm going to do? I shall speak with them first. There's been a lot of informative and interesting opinions and facts posted on here that have gotten me thinking, and honestly I couldn't just go and shop them without standing up and saying my piece (even if I have been a terrible friend and said it here first. )

lottee

What do you mean this is worse than BB? What reporting someone for fraud whether they are your friend/ex/neighbour is/would be worse than bullying?

I read the above post, that wasn't the one I was replying too anyway, & I didn't mean to come across as if I'd just ring & report someone for no reason - only if I had good reason to believe it they were abusing the system. I can see how it has come across, definitely didn't mean it that way! Do I still need to grow up?!

edina

I reported a family member back in october, i think, so far nothing!!. People may think i'm hard doing it to a relation, but the way i look at it, is that we the tax payers are giving her a great lifestyle, while we struggle at times. Yes, I have spoken & warned her about what she is doing & reminded her of the 'no if's or but's' ad. All she said was they had "discussed it"!!.....
Her situation is that she has boyfriend living with her (6-8 months now), whilst claiming to be a single parent (he works 2 jobs). Plus a grown up child who pays her board (not told social is there). Plus 1 morning a week job cash in hand. This person knows no different than getting what she can off social. She has not worked since basically leaving sch (now in late 40's) & just bought up her kids, who now i might add follow their mum & claim social.
What gets me is that I have a strong feeling she will get away with it, these people always do! Plus i could only give the basic details about their situation. I know he has his mail delivered to somewhere esle, but no idea where.

Bibendum

If you think it's "her idea", have a word with him.

It would be much better for them to put a stop to it, without having the humiliation of social service investigating them. That's the friendhip part!

Of course it is not right. I suspect most of us could do with a bit more money. But most of us don't because we know it is wrong. Just like stealing from a big corporation is no more morally justified than stealing through someone else's purse.

Graham_Devon

lottee wrote:

Do I still need to grow up?!

Yes :T

Oh and I would report them, just because I could....if that helps... (I couldnt just put Yes and abuse lottee, so had to pad out the message!)

peter999

lottee wrote:

BTW, even if it is to get back at someone - ex partner or not, ex friend or not, why is it pathetic?

lottee wrote:

....& I didn't mean to come across as if I'd just ring & report someone for no reason - only if I had good reason to believe it they were abusing the system. I can see how it has come across, definitely didn't mean it that way! Do I still need to grow up?!

I'm commenting on what you wrote.

Maybe when someone reports a fraud they should say or tick a box:
"I'm getting back at someone".

I think that solves it.
.

Graham_Devon

Peter, has someone reported you to get back at you by any chance?

lottee

I was thinking that too Devon - judging by his posts on this topic.

Listen 'Peter', it came across like that, I didn't mean it like that. An example : Say if my husband left me today, & next week I found out he was claiming things I know he is not entitled to, I would report him, revenge yes, but also the fact he was claiming something he wasn't supposed to be means he is breaking the law. Comprehend? If & buts I know, but an eg

Crikey, feel like I'm being questioned by the headmaster here!