Should I report fraud? OR Just mind my own business?

lovetolaugh

Good Morning everyone

Apologies if I am on wrong forum or if my problem is frequently discussed,

I have just joined the site as I need some kind of push in the right direction, reassurance of doing the right or wrong thing?

I am in 2 minds as to whether I should report a fraudulent claim for tax credits?

I am aware of a mother who claims WTX & CTX for a child that has lived with his father since summer 2012, she claims as a single parent.

3 years ago she split from boyfriend which lead to homelessness, she and her son moved in to her (previously marital home) where her X husband lives with there eldest son,
So..... each parent claimed for one child, whilst living in same house, oh and although divorced she still has family surname, How this didn't ring alarm bells to authorities I don't know.
She has been with her new partner for approx 2 years and moved in with him last summer leaving both sons living with there father.

Still claiming single mother working & child tax, failing to declare her fiance and his income etc. He has his own construction company and owns a few properties which are rented out, one of which they both currently reside in, whilst they are waiting for few last stages of solicitors/mortgage dealings on a house they are buying!

Her fiance clearly financially supports her, she has upgraded her car from an old Peugeot to a 2 year old Audi, most weekends she broadcasts the expensive designer footwear/clothing she bought in London, photos posted regularly on twitter / facebook regarding posh lifestyle in London and all ideas for there Wedding next year.
She works full time as a receptionist so 'credit where credit due',however she receives approx £450 monthly tax credits for a child that doesn't live with her,neither of her sons choose to stay over at her house they rarely visit her at all.
If HMRC knew her correct address details/whereabouts for previous 3 years, also marriage plans and all relevant info which she has kept quiet about, Do you think they would bother to investigate the claim seeing as it's a lot of 'change of circumstances' in one investigation.
After all if it's been 3 years since first failure to declare change of circumstances,then continuously thereafter?

I really must stress that I am aware that 'Jealousy is an ugly thing' and I can honestly say this isn't an act of jealousy, just wanting to do what I feel is morally correct as it's unfair when people abuse systems that are of help to society. It is for persons in need! Not persons with Greed!

Sorry to ramble on and on.... hope this makes some sense, any advice or words of wisdom will be gratefully received
Thanks for reading x

Horseunderwater

Do it. All you need are her old address and the names of the child she claimed for along with the other details and HMRC will investigate.

Angelicdevil

Definitely do it

theartfullodger

Of course do it:

You'd report murder I'm sure... this is just another crime, albeit not so severe...

We don't want crooks & cheats getting away with it in our country, whoever they be, whatever their circumstances - otherwise there's less left to pay out to those who deserve & are entitled to help.

flutterby_lil

How do you know all this? Are you sure she is claiming to be living at a different address?

Foxn86

Although what she is doing is 100% wrong and I do not agree with it at all ! I truly think your close to this woman to know all her business in such great detail. To know this much about someone elses lives is quite extreme.

I believe in your case its not morals that's the issue but its jealously, I think the new car bigger house etc has really got up your nose. I'm pretty sure when her ex does his renewal he will mention both boys! I can't imagine it will take long before she is caught and gets her comeuppance ! but if it makes you feel better call up and tell them. And its true what they say keep your friends close and your enemies closer !!

evenasus

I wouldn't even have to think about reporting it, I'd have reported it immediately.

They're stealing tax payers hard earned money and leaving less money for genuine claimants.

bossymoo

I too can't see how you would know so much detail about another's personal finances.

But, if you are absolutely certain, then go for it. It's odd that the father is allowing this to happen, surely she should be contributing some form of maintenance?

spacey2012

The state wont give you anything, you may end up on a summons to court to give evidence, there is no such thing as anonymity in these cases, if they need you to give evidence they will find you and summons you and place you on oath in court, failure to give evidence on oath sends you in jail.

So by all means go ahead if it brings satisfaction, but make sure you know the full implications of what you may be required to do, if you are prepared give evidence in a public court against people you know then go ahead, once you volunteer the information, the choice of how far you have to get involved is out of your hands.

davehughes182

Do it. But dont claim it isnt jelousy thats making you do it becasue there is no reason to come onto a forum and post the details if you already know its morally correct.

Just a quick side note too, my mother in law still has her married name and is divorced from her ex husband. Why would that ring alarm bells?

davehughes182

spacey2012 wrote: »

The state wont give you anything, you may end up on a summons to court to give evidence, there is no such thing as anonymity in these cases, if they need you to give evidence they will find you and summons you and place you on oath in court, failure to give evidence on oath sends you in jail.

So by all means go ahead if it brings satisfaction, but make sure you know the full implications of what you may be required to do, if you are prepared give evidence in a public court against people you know then go ahead, once you volunteer the information, the choice of how far you have to get involved is out of your hands.

This isnt true. There is 100% anonymity when reporting TC fraud.