Tax Credits fraud - would you report it?

paula65

I think shame on the hubby reporting his ex wife and putting his own children into hardship. I hope he stumped up a bit of extra cash to see them through. Could it be that perhaps ex hubby was not supportive in the first place that she needed extra cash. Obviously not knowing the full details we can't really judge ex hubby and personally having a fantastic ex husband I am sceptical of his actions. Could spite have come into play here.

Natalie99

alison999 wrote: »

i just posted this in your other thread:

tbh for me it would depend. i knew someone who was swanning about (still is) doing whatever she wished, never showed for work b/c she could afford not to and had everything she wnted. she claimed she was living on her own when she wasnt so had her council tax paid for her and got loads of other benefits too, i reported her though nothing happened. however, i cant hand on heart say i would of reported it if i knew she was struggling severely and doing it to feed her kids. i know fraud is fraud but theres some circumstances where i can understand why people do it (to eat).

I'm afraid I disagree I would definitely report her. If I couldn't afford to feed my kids or pay my bills I would take on another job or cut down in the house somewhere else. I know sometimes this is easier said than done but I wouldn't stoop to stealing which is what this is tantamount to.

emmy05

this isnt fair at all, this is precisely why benefits are under scrutiny in the first place, cos ppl like this simply take the PI$$, and it ends up being taken out on the rest of us who are using the system in a legit way.

insidejob_2

If they want to run the risk of being found out about fraudulent claims, let them get on with it. But I seriously object to them extorting money out of a pensioner... I would intervene on that note alone. Age Concern would arrange help with their gardening for a fraction of what their robbing off them.

finlaybaby

I'm all in favour for the greatest good for the largest number of people etc, but these people make my blood boil!

I know of at least 2 "Single Parents" that use the extra money to finance luxury holidays and sports cars. There are lots of genuinely needy people out there who that money is meant for.

Hope the single parent remark doesn't offend anyone?? I'm a hard working single parent myself and think it can be tough on your own, whether you work or choose not to.

Mojisola

fascinated wrote: »

The thing that has really got to me now is that her DH has started cutting the grass of their elderly neighbour and charging him an extortionate amount of money for it. Basically they are paying their Council Tax each month through the money he earns, so that's £120.00 pm for mowing the lawn! And the neighbour is a pensioner. This just has to be wrong doesn't it?

This is even worse - morally - than defrauding the benefit system! It's also probably a criminal offence - akin to the rogue traders who prey on older people. I'd have a word with the local officer and ask him/her to get the facts from the pensioner.

lil_me

First thing I would do is offer to do the neighbours lawn free! Stop them ripping off an OAP before even considering any other action I would take.

Elle00

fascinated wrote: »

Hi all,

Just wondering what to do about a fradulent tax credits claim that has been brought to my attention. TBH I have known for some time, but as the person making the claim is a very good friend of mine I just don't know what to do. She is claiming TC as though she is not workiing and just on her DH wages, which are low. However she has two cleaning jobs and takes in ironing on a regular weekly basis. I know she is earning at least £65.00 pw and not declaring it. I know she wouldn't have to pay income tax, but surely this would make a difference to her TC entitlement.

Just don't know. The thing that has really got to me now is that her DH has started cutting the grass of their elderly neighbour and charging him an extortionate amount of money for it. Basically they are paying their Council Tax each month through the money he earns, so that's £120.00 pm for mowing the lawn! And the neighbour is a pensioner. This just has to be wrong doesn't it?

I know it would make me a very bad friend for reporting it, but at the same time this makes a mockery of the system for those of us that pay our taxes, and our debts, and declare our earnings.

What would you all do?

I'll be interested to find out.

Fasci xx

PS Apologies if this has been posted in the wrong place!

I would have said no if it was a nominal amount, under about £50 a month because of the price you'd have to pay. Ie, the guilt. No you shouldn't feel guilty for doing the right thing but you would wouldn't you? At least I would.

When you add in the bit about the DH starting a bit on the side too, well that's a slippery slope isn't it?

I would report it at the stage it's gotten to yes. There's a freephone number you can use to report it anonymously isn't there? So no repercussions for you as long as you stay vague and just tell them enough to initiate an investigation without dropping yourself in it.

You do need to tell, if not for your own peace of mind that you've done the right thing but for all the millions of geniune claimants that these people are giving a bad name too.

alison999

i wouldnt tell them anything. theyre taking the !!!!. they bought it on themselves and are robbing a pentioner blind, some people have no morals and are just looking after #1

pippamannequin

I think everybody is jumping to a conclusion that there is fraud here, could it not be that their tax credits are based on their previous years earnings?

Do you know for sure that they are getting tax credits that they arent entitled to? It seems if the husband is on low salary and the wife is also they would be entitled to tax credits. Maybe have a chat with your friend and just say how you feel, explain to her that she ought to let tax credits know if they are receiving too much much just incase they end up with a big repayment.

I may be wrong, but i tend not to jump to conclusions without knowing all the facts. As for the pensioner paying such a high amount for his grass to be cut, maybe see if you can find someone who could do it cheaper for him and pop a note through his door with the details.