Interview Under Caution for Benefit Fraud investigation

MissMoneypenny

Mumof1littlegirl wrote: »

He stays with his mum sometimes, but mostly stays with his girlfriend.

Because of this, a lot of his important documents...eg, driving license, car insurance etc...are all still registered in my address,

Mumof1littlegirl wrote: »

I'm a mum of a 14 month old baby girl,

SNIP

I split with him whilst I was pregnant after we had lived together for a year.

For Him:-

It's a fine from DVLA if he has the wrong address on his licence, yet it doesn't cost anything to change the address.

He would have renewed the car insurance/got a new car insurance, since he moved out, as he left when you were pregnant and your child is now 14 months old. Is a car insurance valid (in the event of a claim) if the claimant has given their insurance company a false home address?

Why hasn't he just used his girlfriend's address? Why take such a risk with a DVLA fine: and a massive risk of an invalid claim on car insurance?

ILW

Mumof1littlegirl wrote: »

I have been ringing them constantly since Thursday when I received the letter, it's just on answer machine constantly. I have left 2/3 voicemail messages for them each day since asking someone to ring me back. Nobody has. I'm guessing this is one of the tactics they use to make people sweat? All the letter says is alleged criminal offences in relation to a claim to benefit. No other reason. But by the process of elimination I can only assume its for the reason I stated.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I am so worried because I know I don't have a lot going for my side.

It's possible your ex is claiming something you do not know about.

Why does he not get mail sent to his own address?

Why does he pay nothing towards his child?

RAS

Mumof1littlegirl wrote: »

They give me cash that I pay into my bank account, and then it can be seen coming straight back out again on credit card debts which I pay over the phone using my debit card. Also, my little girls grandparents send me money for her, which I also put into my account, but which can again be seen coming out. Nothing is left or saved in the account. I didn't realise this would be a problem?

I suspect you will find it hard for this not to be counted as income.

Money sent near a birthday or Christmas and used to buy presents for your daughter would not be an issue but regular amounts is income. Seen someone lose all their income based JSa as a result of family supporting them whilst benefits were organised.

Conversely, child maintenance from your ex would not count as income.

spacey2012

With a bit of thought you should be able to work out who it is spilling the beans on you.
If this is all they have, then that person who knows you so well will not want to go to court and stand opposite you, so a short thrift of no comment will leave them nothing to prosecute you with.
Nice to know someone you trusted is betraying you.

pmlindyloo

I did not realise that your interview was so soon. I

If you feel you need time to collect the evidence/get advice there is a letter that you can write or email (ring and ask for correct email address and to whom it should be addressed) on the website that I gave you.

http://www.advicenow.org.uk/advicenow-guides/problems-with-benefits/how-to-handle-an-interview-under-caution/do-i-have-to-go-to-the-interview-html,659,FP.html

Mojisola

Mumof1littlegirl wrote: »

He does come and visit his daughter regularly here at my house, as she is quite poorly with some ongoing problems and I won't allow him to take her out at such a young age.

spacey2012 wrote: »

With a bit of thought you should be able to work out who it is spilling the beans on you.

Nice to know someone you trusted is betraying you.

Anyone who knows the OP will know the real situation. This is much more likely to be someone who has noticed the child's father coming and going from the house very frequently.

As she isn't doing anything wrong, there's nothing to worry about. I would rather a few honest people got investigated than leave all the cheats taking taxpayers' money because no-one is willing to report suspicions.

BurnleyBob

I agree that an IUC suggests that they believe they have enough to make whatever it is stick. Assuming it's everything to do with the ex and cohabiting then it's best to presume they have evidence accrued from watching the property over a week or two so if he has his own key to the property to let himself in since the split and/or has spent the night there regularly for any period then it's best not to deny it and instead be prepared with extenuating reasons for why he did with the baby was ill and he was extremely concerned or you were ill and he thought you weren't capable of caring for her as competently as when you are healthy.

jules6810

My Ex left me when I was pregnant also, and moved in with a new girlfriend. They had 2 children together and they claimed every benefit they could, including not declaring he was living there. After a long period of time they eventually called her for an interview under caution and he vanished!!
She denied he was living with her, and said he was living me, so then I ended up with someone investigating fraud on my door step.
It was a long drawn out process but I was innocent, he was not living with me and eventually a statement that was used in court was all I had to do.
She continued to deny all the allegations, but while they investigated, her benefits were suspended.
They found her guilty, took her to court and she was fined (dont no how much), had to do 100 hours community service and had to pay back around £10,000.
While I understand your concern and worry, please dont think you will end up in prison, the person I am referring to WAS guilty. Just tell the truth and hopefully it will all be cleared up asap.
Just to add the girl I am referring to was reported by a neighbour. Hope this helps xx

HappyMJ

Mumof1littlegirl wrote: »

Does that happen? I thought that whoever reported can stay completely anonymous without them needing them for court or even know who they are.

If the accused pleads not guilty and they have no other evidence they can ask the person to appear in court. They can refuse and the case will most probably be dropped.

If the accused pleads guilty there is no need for any witnesses to appear at all.

spacey2012

Mumof1littlegirl wrote: »

Does that happen? I thought that whoever reported can stay completely anonymous without them needing them for court or even know who they are.

Depends but if they need you in court, they will summons you and if you fail to turn up you get arrested then taken to court.
Or they can remove your evidence from the case.
The choice is theirs.
Who would you trust, the DHSS don't owe you any thanks.