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AIBU?

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My neighbour is threatening to report me for “benefit fraud”

216 replies

AugustSlippedAwayInto · 06/08/2025 08:39

I’m currently signed off sick from work after an operation last week. My street is full of gossips (to put it nicely) so the entire street knows why I’m off. Brill.

For full disclosure, the relationship with this neighbour is rocky at best. She’s screamed abuse at me and my family in the street before, she watched everyone from her window and films people walking past very regularly.

I decided that I felt well enough for a short walk yesterday, so my mum came over and offered we went. I think we were out for about half an hour, with a break halfway.

This morning as soon as she’s seen I’m up (lights on, curtains open etc) she’s banging on my door saying she’s contacted my work and “the government” to report that I’m “committing fraud”. I’m talking shouting, banging my door so hard I thought she’d break the glass, slapping the front windows. It’s all on the ring camera.

I’m not on SSP, as I get occupational sick pay, and after my walk I slept for three hours! WIBU to just tell her to do one and to leave me alone?

OP posts:
AugustSlippedAwayInto · 06/08/2025 08:49

Awaywiththegnomes · 06/08/2025 08:48

And clearly they’re gossiping to others

So how about keeping your health issues to yourself

Honestly it’s a touch annoying but also all in good fun - the majority of my neighbours are 80+ year old women who were all widowed a decade ago. Also not really the point of the post 😅

OP posts:
SoftandQuiet · 06/08/2025 08:49

Also please don't worry about going for a walk, (if you are). It's absolutely essential to gently exercise post op (depending on what you've had done if course).

CatsorDogsrule · 06/08/2025 08:49

I wouldn't engage with her as she sounds unstable. Report to 101 if you think she is dangerous - or 999 if she is actively being dangerous.

Typicalwave · 06/08/2025 08:48

Ring or similar doorbells can be very useful for gathering evidence for harassment and stalking

Awaywiththegnomes · 06/08/2025 08:48

AugustSlippedAwayInto · 06/08/2025 08:45

A lot of the neighbours are really quite friendly! I don’t mind it overly, I’m quite good friends with one of the old ladies who lives a few doors down. She’s basically my adopted nan at this point. I told her I’d be getting this surgery so couldn’t come and see her for a couple of weeks, and told some of the others I get on with!

And clearly they’re gossiping to others

So how about keeping your health issues to yourself

Awaywiththegnomes · 06/08/2025 08:47

So streets like this exist?? Utterly alien to anywhere I have ever lived

as for your question, let her

GentleSheep · 06/08/2025 08:46

Don't engage with her directly because she sounds mentally unstable and you've no idea what she might do, but do contact the police.

AugustSlippedAwayInto · 06/08/2025 08:45

Picklechicken · 06/08/2025 08:44

I would absolutely report this to the police. How awful.

But how does everyone know your business? Just don’t tell anyone anything. Even on a nosey street they can’t talk about you if you don’t share anything.

A lot of the neighbours are really quite friendly! I don’t mind it overly, I’m quite good friends with one of the old ladies who lives a few doors down. She’s basically my adopted nan at this point. I told her I’d be getting this surgery so couldn’t come and see her for a couple of weeks, and told some of the others I get on with!

OP posts:
MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 06/08/2025 08:44

Log it with the police. She sounds unhinged and this may escalate.

Picklechicken · 06/08/2025 08:44

I would absolutely report this to the police. How awful.

But how does everyone know your business? Just don’t tell anyone anything. Even on a nosey street they can’t talk about you if you don’t share anything.

Hoardasurass · 06/08/2025 08:44

Call the police on her nutty arse for harassment especially if she really has contacted your work

FionnulaTheCooler · 06/08/2025 08:43

Tell her to fuck off. Fucking fruit loop.

AugustSlippedAwayInto · 06/08/2025 08:43

LaurieFairyCake · 06/08/2025 08:41

Of course you should. Though contacting the police is more important.

She’s had the police there the other day - nobody knows why (though I’m sure I could find out if I could be bothered!)

Shes absolutely insane. She’s managed to fall out with everyone on the street, and we suspect she’s got mental health issues, but refuses to engage with the system.

OP posts:
MischiefandMayhemManaged · 06/08/2025 08:41

She sounds deranged! Hope you are feeling better soon!

LaurieFairyCake · 06/08/2025 08:41

Of course you should. Though contacting the police is more important.

Newnames123 · 06/08/2025 08:40

Yup she's mad. But also is it bordering harassment? Maybe worth a call to 101.

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