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Original poster

To not want to report this person for welfare fraud

38 replies

Pettyspaghetti111 · 07/07/2020 12:00

I've recently been made awake that a friend of mine is claiming a payment that they shouldn't be claiming and aren't really entitled to. The person told me themselves, almost bragging to me.

Although I think what they are doing is shitty and I don't agree with it at all (the smugness made it all the more annoying) I don't feel like it's my place to rat them out. I confided in another friend, and without giving them details of who, they believe it is my place and that I should report it.

My issue is, I feel like if I do report them then it's obvious it was me because they told me.. Although the way they were going on they've probably told lots of people. I seriously just don't think it's my place to do that to anyone. I really just wish I didn't know.

Am I obliged to report it or is it none of my business?

OP posts:
Original poster
Pettyspaghetti111 · 07/07/2020 12:01

Made aware not made awake..

OP posts:
slipperywhensparticus · 07/07/2020 12:02

Its everyone's responsibility to report be it big corporation or small fraud but make sure your right about it first because while they investigate everything stops

milcmxxx · 07/07/2020 12:04

I would encourage them to stop. If they don’t I’d wait a little while then report them x

labyrinthloafer · 07/07/2020 12:12

I am not going to give my opinion, because who cares what I think, but factually speaking you are free to choose not to report anything except where you are required to by law.

Many people know of similar level misdemeanours, especially things like cash in hand work and tax avoidance, and don't tell.

Many people do tell, for reasons given here no doubt.

I can understand the conflict and the fact you wish you didn't know.

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 07/07/2020 12:14

What do you mean by "aren't really supposed to"?

Original poster
Pettyspaghetti111 · 07/07/2020 12:20

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz

What do you mean by "aren't really supposed to"?
What do you mean what do I mean? They are claiming a payment that they aren't entitled to Confused
OP posts:
Original poster
Pettyspaghetti111 · 07/07/2020 12:22

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz

What do you mean by "aren't really supposed to"?
I said aren't entitled to.. Not supposed to.
OP posts:
Chloemol · 07/07/2020 12:22

Report them

ELW85 · 07/07/2020 12:22

Did you tell your friend you think it’s shitty? I’d probably give them the chance to have a chat about it and try and get them to stop. However...
...if they are bragging, they aren’t likely going to stop claiming it, so it depends on how much of an issue it is.
Do they really need it to survive, and even though they shouldn’t have it, has the system failed them elsewhere? Or are they just taking everything they can and fuck the rest of us that have to pay for it?
That would inform my decision.
Theoretically though, I wouldn’t condone anyone defrauding anything.

Original poster
Pettyspaghetti111 · 07/07/2020 12:27

@ELW85

Did you tell your friend you think it’s shitty? I’d probably give them the chance to have a chat about it and try and get them to stop. However... ...if they are bragging, they aren’t likely going to stop claiming it, so it depends on how much of an issue it is. Do they really need it to survive, and even though they shouldn’t have it, has the system failed them elsewhere? Or are they just taking everything they can and fuck the rest of us that have to pay for it? That would inform my decision. Theoretically though, I wouldn’t condone anyone defrauding anything.
I didn't really say much at all, I didn't know how to respond to them it was more of an 'oh..' and a nod. I probably should have said something. They wouldn't have cared I don't think.

They don't need it to survive, they have no children, they rent from family so their rent is extremely cheap and I'm almost sure bills are included in the rent, although I'm not 100% and their partner has a very high earning job. I really can't wrap my head around why their claiming it, I think it's a case of 'I can so I will'..

OP posts:
DrPatient · 07/07/2020 12:30

Are they being cheeky and taking advantage or are they breaking the law? Like, a key worker who sent their child to nursery when it was key workers only but that particular key worker is working from home - that's being a CF but it's not illegal and not worth reporting. A "single" "unemployed" mother who is claiming benefits whilst actually working cash in hand and living with her working boyfriend should be reported.

ELW85 · 07/07/2020 12:34

@Pettyspaghetti111 - to be fair, it can be hard when those conversations catch you off guard!
If they’re claiming it because they can, it’s so backwards as their high earning partner will be paying for it in tax etc!
If it were me and they were doing it because they could and it’s not an insignificant amount, I’d report it. It’s on them to take the gamble to cheat the system! Just be prepared to have the courage of your convictions if you are the only one they’ve told!
They don’t sound like a hugely close friend anyway or your opinion would matter to them?

ELW85 · 07/07/2020 12:35

And agree with @DrPatient. It’s all about the context!

Love51 · 07/07/2020 12:43

I used to work in early help, so had to know what I was legally and professionally required to report. Dodgy benefits claiming wasn't one of those things. If there was someone living in the house undeclared, I'd care about if they were a potential risk to children, but it was not encouraged to inform if they were claiming benefits they weren't entitled to. In fact it would have been considered a betrayal of the family's trust and to be getting the service a poor reputation in the community.
So, if I in a professional capacity was not required to report, I think you as a friend should be able to sleep at night.

Equally if you feel strongly and want to report, do so. You need to hold your own standards. But be prepared to start considering her as a former friend.

BanginChoons · 07/07/2020 12:48

Are you certain they aren't entitled to it?

I'm not one to report, I wouldn't consider it my business.

Iminaglasscaseofemotion · 07/07/2020 12:49

Well it's pretty difficult to claim benefits you're not entitled to so I would be wondering how they managed it, but no I wouldn't report them. I'm always a bit Hmm when people seem to freely tell people they are committing benefit fraud. Why would they tell people?

ComeOnEileen11 · 07/07/2020 12:54

They don't need it to survive, they have no children, they rent from family so their rent is extremely cheap and I'm almost sure bills are included in the rent, although I'm not 100% and their partner has a very high earning job. I really can't wrap my head around why their claiming it, I think it's a case of 'I can so I will'..

This doesn't sound like they're not entitled to it, unless it's means tested. This sounds like they are entitled to it and you're a bit jealous of their low outgoings. I, and many others, claim child benefit but I'm not on the breadline and needing it to put food on the table, but it's a helpful addition to the family pot.

Original poster
Pettyspaghetti111 · 07/07/2020 12:56

@Iminaglasscaseofemotion

Well it's pretty difficult to claim benefits you're not entitled to so I would be wondering how they managed it, but no I wouldn't report them. I'm always a bit Hmm when people seem to freely tell people they are committing benefit fraud. Why would they tell people?
Maybe it's difficult in the UK, but in Ireland (where I am) I've heard of loads of people doing it, but usually it's only hearsay, I don't know anyone else who's openly telling people about it..

I am 100% certain they aren't entitled to it, it's a benefit for people who are out of work due to covid, this person quit their job to claim it because its actually a little more than they were earning. They are fully capable of work and they were not put out of work. They just saw an opportunity and took it.

OP posts:
Original poster
Pettyspaghetti111 · 07/07/2020 12:58

@ComeOnEileen11

They don't need it to survive, they have no children, they rent from family so their rent is extremely cheap and I'm almost sure bills are included in the rent, although I'm not 100% and their partner has a very high earning job. I really can't wrap my head around why their claiming it, I think it's a case of 'I can so I will'..

This doesn't sound like they're not entitled to it, unless it's means tested. This sounds like they are entitled to it and you're a bit jealous of their low outgoings. I, and many others, claim child benefit but I'm not on the breadline and needing it to put food on the table, but it's a helpful addition to the family pot.

They are not entitled to it, as Ive said a few times now. They told me themselves they aren't meant to be getting it.
OP posts:
Original poster
Pettyspaghetti111 · 07/07/2020 13:00

Just to add to the last post, I also claim child benefit, as does everyone with children in Ireland. But I'm entitled to it and didn't have to lie to receive it. So no I'm not jealous that my friend is lying to the welfare but thanks anyways.

OP posts:
Toilenstripes · 07/07/2020 13:00

I wouldn’t report it but I wouldn’t be their friend anymore.

Bloodylovecheese · 07/07/2020 13:01

Your choice whether to report or not. In all of these types of fraudulent claims and people not reporting, I always say if you don't report then don't moan about lack of resources for any benefits, NHS operations etc etc. These people are stealing from everyone's pockets even the poorest of the poor.
Members of my extended family always moan about NHS wait times, benefits and then work cash in hand sometimes. I have called them out on it and they can't see the correlation. They think its all big companies tax fiddling...which of course it is too. Just don't moan unless you are whiter than white.
Lecture over, let your conscience be your guide.

MaintainTheMolehill · 07/07/2020 13:01

No I would never report someone for benefit fraud. These people chose to do this and may or may not be caught but it's not up to me to turn their life upside down.

Itsjustabitofbanter · 07/07/2020 13:24

There’s a difference between reporting and snitching imo. You report something when someone is in danger or needs help. You snitch purely to get someone in trouble. This is the latter. I don’t know what it is your friend is claiming, I’m guessing it’s not exactly gonna put her on the worlds richest list, probably doesn’t amount to more than a few quid and barely makes a difference to her life. I couldn’t imagine ever picking up the phone with the intent of grassing on a friend. And it drives me mad how the average public have been conditioned to despise and snitch on the very few claiming an extra few quid on benefits, while happily accepting the many rich ripping off the tax payers millions, if not billions of pounds

1forAll74 · 07/07/2020 13:34

I personally would not report them, but if you think that the person may have openly told other people,then someone along the line will report them no doubt. But the system may eventually catch onto this person anyway, then they will go on record.