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

tomtom256

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.

How would they trace you, you do not have to give your name or any other personal details when reporting fraud.

It an be done online, so from any computer with internet access. Use a public machine, library, internet cafe etc.

Via telephone - freephone number normally so use a payphone.

Via a letter - only have postmark.

whitewing

I think it is fairly normal to keep the same surname as your children after a divorce.

Certainly report it so that it can be investigated.

lovetolaugh

davehughes182 wrote: »

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?

Sorry I wasn't judging anyone that is divorced, I accept that many divorced parents keep marital surname however I thought it may raise suspension as, both parents living at same address after years of seperation and each parent is claiming 'single parent' tax credits for each of their children.


With regards to 'Jealousy' and 'Morals'

I can assure you I live a very comfortable and happy life,
I have a successful business and enjoy my luxuries. I am a close friend of the extended family and only have the children's best interests at heart.

Morally I know to report it as it's wrong to abuse the system, I just wanted to confirm whether this is worth them knowing or is it petty fraud compared to others

Fortunately I do not require financial support but there are MANY that do and is it fair if fraudsters ruin it for everyone else?

I appreciate your honest views on this post, it's good to hear things from another point of view

Thank you

lovetolaugh

Can I please confirm that I know people keep surname when divorced, I simply mentioned it as I thought it would like suspicious, as HMRC would only see a claim for Mr.... & 1 child
Mrs.... & other child
But living at same address
Obviously I have over estimated the technology at Tax offices when it comes to submitting personal data Sorry

mum2three3

Do you know if she gives any money to her ex at all. Also when someone lets there other parent have a child its such a farce with sorting out tax credits never mind child benefit which can take weeks to sort out maybe when she moves into her new place she might take the child back. Like others have said you know quite alot and maybe u r close n a bit jealous. and u can live at same address if u have aame name and split up as long as u can prove it in this economic times a lot if people still live in same house as cant afford to go elsewhere. Are u really doing it for the child though dragging the parents through turmoil they will get informed that they have been reported n u knowing alot might find out in the end.

lovetolaugh

flutterby_lil wrote: »

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

Yes 100% The father received an award letter at his home address,he opened it assuming it was his, only to find out it's his x wifes claim, he wasn't aware of her claiming, He is now concerned that he will look guilty of fraudulently claiming.

None of the wife's change of circumstances have been supplied to TC

StormyWeather_2

How do you know what she put on her tax credit applications. Do you have access to her bank accounts and see this money going in each week?

I am a close friend of the extended family and only have the children's best interests at heart.

How would reporting her help the children?

lovetolaugh

tomtom256 wrote: »

How would they trace you, you do not have to give your name or any other personal details when reporting fraud.

It an be done online, so from any computer with internet access. Use a public machine, library, internet cafe etc.

Via telephone - freephone number normally so use a payphone.

Via a letter - only have postmark.

I searched website regarding remaining anonymous and this is 100% definate that you are safe if reporting benefit fraud, Apparantley even if you request to receive a reward they give you a ref:no- and you collect cash from a bank of your choice.
I have never heard anyone mention attendance of court/ swearing on oath for grassing someone up for benefit fraud, surely this would be a danger to the public and noone would ever assist with fraud enquiries

duchy

Ah you're the new partner of her ex.... most likely, (close family "friends" don't snoop through paperwork -it's inappropriate)

Frankly if she is investigated -either you or your boyfriend will be prime suspects and that could impact on his relationship with his children if it all turns nasty-As you're obviously if not jealous then at best resentful of her you'll be credited with the worst motives possible regardless of if true or not.

Could your boyfriend not just man up -take the letter to her and ask her about it. I realize it's the adult thing to do and won't create as much drama or trouble for her but if it IS a misunderstanding (tax credits do make mistakes at times) or if you have mis-understood the circumstances as you are looking for a bad scenario as you obviously don't like her then it could save a lot of problems later. Best scenario -you've made a mistake and can apologize- worst scenario -she is claiming wrongly and can make a new declaration.

If you are as concerned for the children as you claim why would you want to cause trouble between the parents ?

clearingout

lovetolaugh wrote: »

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.

as someone else has said, many women retain their married names upon divorce. There is no legal obligation to change back to a maiden name.

It is also perfectly legal to live under the roof as someone but be considered two separate households for benefit and tax credit purposes. Many couples continue to live together post-separation because it can be hard to move on until equity is freed up from the house and a financial settlement is reached. Assuming it is declared to the DWP and HMRC and certain conditions are met, it is not fraud.

And the 'credit where credit's due' comment...seriously? Patronising people for working? Please do now tell us about all the single mums you know who abuse the system so you thought you'd 'praise' this one... oh wait, she's at it too....

*sighs*