Anyone ever reported family/friend for benefit fraud?

[TotallyKerplunked]

I dont know whether to report a family member for benefit fraud.

This particular person is of the wont/dont want to work persuasion and spends his days playing computer games. At 24 he still lives with parents and has everything paid for by them, he has been caught twice before for benefit fraud (JSA and housing benefit). Now most of the family are involved in him receiving carers allowance for someone he hasn't seen in 11 months and has never cared for (elderly disabled relative who is entitled to a carer but doesn't want one, relative allowed him to claim the allowance so he would have some money to treat himself ).

I hate people who commit benefit fraud (exceptions made for those in dire circumstances) but as he is family i'm really torn, I was just hopping that he'd get caught out like before (he had to repay the money those times) but this has been going on for 2.5 years now WWYD?

I'd be very careful, as your elderly relative would surely get in trouble too?

Treat everyone the same. Report him.

On another thread, there's a man 'touching' his granddaughter inappropriately. Posters there are saying that he should be reported. When you report something like this, you don't have to say who you are because it can be done confidentially. If he is convicted or whatever they do, he will never know who told on him. There will be no need because of the evidence against him.

The rest of us are keeping him with our taxes and we object. His parents might be implicated beause they know that he is not caring for the elderly relative.

You'll have trouble proving it, if both he and the elderly relative claim the care happens.

It's disgusting though, given that there are so many Carers who are struggling and are worried about money, especially given the recent cuts, that someone is using the system to give them spare cash.

I wouldn't want my elderly relative to have to deal with the fuss, so I'd let it go.

Not to sound heartless but obviously the situation won't continue forever so at some point he will be onto something new and then you could consider it.

I honestly think this is more difficult than many posters realise. I have a relative commiting benefit fraud and have seriously considered reporting them for some time - although haven't yet. Yes you can report it anonymously, but unless your relative is stupid and tells lots of people the truth, the reality is that usually only a few people actually know that fraud is being committed. My relative would be able to narrow the person who reported her down to about 5 people.

So one of the issues to consider is if you report it what is the likely family fall out. And how would this affect you? In terms of how your elderly relative would be viewed - can you ring up anonymously to talk through the situation and ask what would happen to them if you reported it. I suspect the answer would be nothing.

lesley33 there are about 6 people who know he is doing this, thats partly why I haven't yet, he would probably work it out that it was me as i've expressed my opinion about this before.

I hate people who commit benefit fraud (exceptions made for those in dire circumstances) I find this a strange statement tbh, if this is your stance on benefit fraud then what are these dire circumstances that make it ok?

I assume you will have the balls to fess up to your relatives when they tell you that someone has reported them btw

YANBU to feel upset about this but the nature of this partucular type of fraud could be virtually impossible to prove. Elderly relative will claim the care takes place. Make an anonymous call if you feel that strongly - i couldn't in this situation.

I feel for you OP, thank goodness we can choose our friends!

yes but circumstances were different