Benefit Fraud Interview?

pandemicbob

Hi
Just received a letter asking me to come for a BF interview?

I claimed JSA but stopped it over 5 months ago when I found work so I am somewhat clueless as to why I received such a letter.

As things stand I cannot take time off work to attend an interview, I do not live in that city any more and I cannot afford the cost to travel there at peak time via train.

In addition I how do I get a solicitor? I have no idea where to go.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Poppie68

I dont think you will need a solcitor at this stage. Its not going to go away if you cant attend, so i think you will have to get time off work, but maybe there is a way to move the interview to a benefit office near to home.

Invalidation

Telephone them, speak to them.
Communication is the key

CCFC_80

Ask them to move the location and time of interview to suit you.
You say that you haven't got a clue why they want you to attend.
Remember that the onus is on them to prove that you have committed benefit fraud.

Ask them for further details that they have on you so that you can prepare for the interview with them. They might not give you this information.

Also if you are 100% certain that you have done nothing wrong(only you will know that) an easy option would be not to attend and see if they take it any further.

tomtom256

It should state in the letter the reason why they are inviting you to attend.

They would also not ask you to attend an interview if they didn't have any evidence to put to you.

Is it with the Job Centre or an Local Authority? As this will affect whether it could be conducted at a closer location.

McKneff

Does it just say 'interview' or does it say 'interview under caution'

pandemicbob

Thank you for your replies. It says interview under caution.

As far as I am aware I informed the people at the JC of my circumstances, in person or via phone. I will investigate whether the venue can be changed.

McKneff

Did you claim any other benefits at all apart from your JSA.

pandemicbob

Only JSA (Unemployed grad living with parents)

Poppie68

You say 'as far as you are aware you informed them by phone or in person'
Did they stop paying you, or did they continue putting money in your bank?

dseventy

Did you do any work and not declare it?
Did you have some savings in your name and didnt declare it?
Did you have a partner and not declare it?

Rack your brains, to get to the interview stage, they know something.

As above about the rest, ring them and explain the situation.

D70