HB problems. Need lots of support please.

dippy3103

Not sure an internet recommended solicitor is best (the irony of me being a stranger on the internet telling you not to believe everything you read isn't lost on me). Find out you nearest law firm with a criminalpractice & contact them. The chances are high they will have a police station rep to attend any interview with you that has been to iuc's at your local council. That way you don't wind up paying travelling time.

Did you miss the bit where we asked if you had contacted the council? Every week you leave it makes it worse.

[Deleted User]

Thanks dippy
What is iuc's?

How can I contact the council if my books are a mess?
They will ask for accurate info and I will not be able to give it.
Also I have just applied for the job.

zugzwang

Sorry, you've lost me.

It's YOUR responsibility to inform council your circumstances have changed. You can't be serious about getting a solicitor to write letters about changes in your circumstances.

If the council want to take action you will need a solicitor, but not at the stage when you are supposedly trying to own up to an honest mistake.

You should have contacted council immediately you knew of your mistake!

dippy3103

IUC -interview under caution. The taped interview which they will invite you to attend if they decide to investigate.
You can contact them & explain that you have had a change in self employed income and that proof will follow. They can then suspend payment on your claim whilst you get your books done.


Zug is right. You don't really need a solicitor at this stage- you just need to advise the council of a change in the normal way.

The job is an entirely separate issue.

zugzwang

Deleted_User wrote: »

Thanks dippy
What is iuc's?

How can I contact the council if my books are a mess?
They will ask for accurate info and I will not be able to give it.
Also I have just applied for the job.

No there's two steps:

1. Tell them circumstances have changed.
2. Try to explain what those changes are.

You must do 1 immediately, 2 can wait.

Delaying informing them of a mistake because of the job applications is dishonest and possibly fraudulent imho.

[Deleted User]

I had written a huge reply that went up in smoke, but will try again.

I have an appointment with an accountant to fix my books. I did not know that they would wait for my new cir!!!!snaces details. I thought they would wanr to see everything asap and open an investigation straight away.
I know I don't need a solicitor at this stage. Will contact a solicitor in the worst case scenario. I am not looking for a solicitor at the moment. just came across one website whilst searching the subject of fraud on the net. There are many websites out there.

I have been researching and can't find a case of anyone who voluntarily disclosures fraud. Would really love to hear a real case of someone who did what I am about to do.

[Deleted User]

Now I have a opportunity to get a job, stop being self employed and carry on working instead of claiming and now it is dishonest and possibly fraudulent too.
I can't win no matter what I do.
But I know I can't complain really, it is all my fault in the first place.

zugzwang

Deleted_User wrote: »

I had written a huge reply that went up in smoke, but will try again.

I have an appointment with an accountant to fix my books. I did not know that they would wait for my new cir!!!!snaces details. I thought they would wanr to see everything asap and open an investigation straight away.
I know I don't need a solicitor at this stage. Will contact a solicitor in the worst case scenario. I am not looking for a solicitor at the moment. just came across one website whilst searching the subject of fraud on the net. There are many websites out there.

I have been researching and can't find a case of anyone who voluntarily disclosures fraud. Would really love to hear a real case of someone who did what I am about to do.

Fraud is a deliberate deception. You said you made a mistake.

People make mistakes all the time, and when you want to admit a mistake, you dont need a solicitor.

But you are now hiding your mistake (by not admitting it) and that is deception and therefore possibly fraud.

[Deleted User]

Found this:

Voluntary Disclosure:

A voluntary disclosure occurs where an offender voluntarily reveals a fraud which was previously unsuspected and not subject to an investigation. A prosecution will not usually be pursued where a full and voluntary disclosure is made providing there is no apparent likelihood of a subsequent offence and a commitment to repay any amounts obtained by the offence. However this would not prevent other formal action being taken e.g. formal caution in order that this may be recorded in case the claimant commits benefit fraud in the future.

A disclosure is not voluntary if



It does not constitute a complete admission


Admission is made because discovery is likely e.g. under investigation


The disclosure was made during an interview with an investigator


The disclosure was precipitated by the actions of the Council e.g. the issue of a housing benefit review form, a comment made to a visiting officer during a home visit."


Feeling hopeful.

dippy3103

Some councils will still go ahead and prosecute, some won't in the case of voluntary disclosure. Even if the worst happens and they prosecute then it will go in your favour.