Interview under caution am really scared!

TheHoneyMonster

TELLIT01 wrote: »

Your best route is to simply answer the questions you are asked honestly. You don't need to offer additional information, over and above answering the questions. It's entirely possible that you have been reported over potential benefit fraud, and that DWP's own investigations have thrown up enough doubt for them to want to find out more.
If your ex has been seen at your address a lot, as it seems is the case, it's not surprising that it has started alarm bells ringing. If the situation is as you have described you have little to worry about.

I will write some things down tonight dates etc for them. A friend has offered to come with me for support she's a 3rd year law students, i presume she'll be allowed in with me to act as my witness.

Reading replies on here convinces me I have done nothing wrong, OK perhaps accepting some Avon things for 1 night of babysitting might not be ideal, but usually they are sample products!

I shall be honest and answer questions, the interview is on Friday.

esuhl

TheHoneyMonster wrote: »

I will write some things down tonight dates etc for them. A friend has offered to come with me for support she's a 3rd year law students, i presume she'll be allowed in with me to act as my witness.

From what I read in the links I posted, you're allowed to bring either a solicitor or someone for support. Assuming the law student isn't a qualified solicitor, I don't think she won't be allowed to speak during the interview.

TheHoneyMonster wrote: »

Reading replies on here convinces me I have done nothing wrong, OK perhaps accepting some Avon things for 1 night of babysitting might not be ideal, but usually they are sample products!

Was it ever explicit that you were being paid with Avon samples, or were these just the kind of things a friend would give you anyway...? Were they unexpected gifts that she brought round to thank you for doing her a favour, or cold, hard payment...?

It doesn't sound like you have much to worry about. So chin up, and good luck to ya!

TheHoneyMonster

esuhl wrote: »

From what I read in the links I posted, you're allowed to bring either a solicitor or someone for support. Assuming the law student isn't a qualified solicitor, I don't think she won't be allowed to speak during the interview.

Was it ever explicit that you were being paid with Avon samples, or were these just the kind of things a friend would give you anyway...? Were they unexpected gifts that she brought round to thank you for doing her a favour, or cold, hard payment...?

It doesn't sound like you have much to worry about. So chin up, and good luck to ya!

No they were just samples, the odd bubble bath full sized bottle, they were more of a thanks for helping watch the lititle one.

My friend is still a student so won't be allowed to speak for me, she's coming for support. I'll keep you updated when Friday is done.

mycleverbunnies

Can your ex partner give you something with proof of his new address on it? Then you'd have it on hand if that's what they ask you about. Whatever it is you will be able to sort it out.Hope you get some rest and take care x

WYSPECIAL

How many nights on average does your ex stay over?

Your guess is that someone has reported you are in a relationship and have someone living with you. From what you say this seems to be the most likely reason.

Wait and see what they want to question you about then just answer the questions truthfully and fully. Little point giving a "no comment" interview as, like the caution says, it may harm your defence if you do not mention now something which you later rely on in Court.

Interview will be recorded and you will be entitled to a copy if you want it.

I doubt they want to question you about accepting a couple of bubble baths as gifts.

newbutold

Speak to a solicitor, I'm not sure how legal aid works but it may cover the solicitor attending the interview with you.

If you have a solicitor in attendance, the DWP will give disclosure to your solicitor before the interview starts and then you will have chance to discuss your options with your solicitor. They could be, say no comment to the interview questions, produce a written statement for the solicitor to read out instead of answering their questions or do the interview and answer the questions.

They will already have what they believe is sufficient evidence of fraud by the time they call you for an interview, the interview is mainly for them to gather more evidence from you. Of course it does give you the opportunity to correct them on any points they have wrong but mainly it's for their benefit not yours.

Taking a solicitor does not make you look guilty to them, at lot of people presumes it does.

GlasweJen

Do you get on with all of your neighbours and family members? I was once reported for fraud after splitting up with a boyfriend. When the letter came for me to have a home visit to discuss the allegations I called the DWP (as you do), they asked me that question and when I said "oh I recently split up from my boyfriend and he's being quite scary and trying to intimidate me" they dropped the case without even bothering with the interview.

FBaby

If someone has reported you then you would expect them to have done some checks before inviting you for an interview under caution. Are you sure you are not linked in any way financially still?

iammumtoone

newbutold wrote: »

Speak to a solicitor, I'm not sure how legal aid works but it may cover the solicitor attending the interview with you.

If you have a solicitor in attendance, the DWP will give disclosure to your solicitor before the interview starts and then you will have chance to discuss your options with your solicitor. They could be, say no comment to the interview questions, produce a written statement for the solicitor to read out instead of answering their questions or do the interview and answer the questions.

They will already have what they believe is sufficient evidence of fraud by the time they call you for an interview, the interview is mainly for them to gather more evidence from you. Of course it does give you the opportunity to correct them on any points they have wrong but mainly it's for their benefit not yours.

Taking a solicitor does not make you look guilty to them, at lot of people presumes it does.

Thats a bit ironic.

Those that are innocent and just claiming the benefits they are entitled will not be able to afford a solicitor, those that are committing fraud will more likely have the spare funds for one

Just_a_Girl_2

Is he registered at your address for anything? Bank account, driving license, etc. Did you remove him from the council tax account? Is he having any mail delivered there?