To ask if you would report benefit fraud?

[namechanged102]

Name changed.

Me and DP have a friend who recently reconciled with his ex. She was a single parent who hasn't worked because she had her first DC young.

Said friend does earn and has moved in with her, however she is still claiming as a single parent and pretty much everything is paid for - rent, council tax reduction etc.

They seem to be living such a comfortable lifestyle, they recently got a new car and have had numerous staycations. I feel like it isn't any of my business what they get up to, but me and DH work full time and still can't afford anywhere near the lifestyle that they lead. It just seems a bit shit.

AIBU?

I would feel really angry if this was a friend, cheating the benefits system is theft...if someone stole £50 from your purse you would report it, so why is this any different?

Yup, I'd report benefit fraud and tax fraud without a second thought if I was confident it was happening. (And I have). Just the same as reporting a drink driver (which I've also done).

Yes, absolutely.
The benefits system is supposed to be a safety net. Too many people abuse it unfortunately.
So imo YANBU if you choose to report.

@user1497207191

Yup, I'd report benefit fraud and tax fraud without a second thought if I was confident it was happening. (And I have). Just the same as reporting a drink driver (which I've also done).

Have you considered becoming a Covid Marshal? .

Yep - without hesitation.

It is your business.
It's everyone's business.

The state benefit system is for those in need.
She will be on Universal Credit now, so just needs to add him to her claim.
If he is earning and she isn't , there is still a high chance they will get something, especially if they pay rent. It's not simply, he earns, benefit stops. It will probably just reduce.

That is fair. What is happening now is not fair to anyone.

Report the 'allegation' . Because it is just this at present. A benefit fraud investigation for LTAHW is quite lengthy and done behind the scenes. If there is nothing in it, nothing will happen. If it's real, then initially she will be called by 'compliance' and 'advised' to report a change of circumstances' ...

@LaurieFairyCake

Would you report a drink driver?
Hit and run?
Abuse to an animal?
Someone shop lifting? That's theft too.
Someone for neglect of a child?
Someone grabbing a dog to sell on?
Rape?
Where do you draw the line on what crimes are ok to ignore or are all crimes ok to ignore?

I imagine the reason there is less money for those that really need it is that some people are taking what they don't need are aren't entitled to....

numerous staycations

Is this the new 'multiple foreign holidays a year'?

Do what you like, OP. I'm sure you're not a stranger to the concept.

Report it.
DH and I pay a ton of tax, and it's not likely to go down anytime soon with all the Covid costs. I have no issue paying to support those who need it, but I do have an issue with thieves.
Why should they live rent/council tax free, AND have his wages to spend? You'll get the usual whataboutery and accusations of jealously on here, but you will be doing the right thing.

I reported somebody for sub-letting their council house, and I would do it again with no qualms at all.

@NewAutumnName

I imagine the reason there is less money for those that really need it is that some people are taking what they don't need are aren't entitled to....

There are hundreds of millions of pounds of unclaimed benefits a year in the UK.

Benefit fraud yes - I do not pay my taxes so that other people can play the system. I have no issue calling the fraud office (and I have done it myself)

Actually it's £10 billion of unclaimed benefits a year

www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2018/11/over-p10-billion-of-benefits-left-unclaimed/#:~:text=Up%20to%20£4.2%20billion,of%20£4%2C500%20per%20year.

The Dwp will probably find out in the end

People who are saying OP is "jealous" of their lifestyle - how ridiculous!

OP is probably resentful at best, because they have not earned that money/lifestyle - they are living at the expense of others, cheating the system and breaking the law.

Why does everything have to come down to jealousy? It's pathetic.

Not sure whether she should report them, that depends on other factors.

The benefits system needs to be better targeted and better run.

It is so damn hard to claim PIP (disability benefit for 16+) now. Shocking.

Yes definitely.
No qualms whatsoever in reporting someone cheating the system.

Yes definitely

No.

Of course I would report them. I can't believe you have to ask.

I have reported a couple of people over the years - for benefit fraud and for tax avoidance.

I really can't believe so many posters say they wouldn't report it. So committing a crime is ok by you all is it?

I wouldn't

Yes of course it’s a crime.

Amazon et al aren’t committing a crime, the government could stop them.

nobody likes a grass
Do snitches get stitches?!

I have reported a case like that, and I would do so again. There's no point in sympathising with someone who needs benefits but can't get them, if we don't try to stop people stealing them.

No. Comparison is the their of joy.
Also, I’m not a mean, petty-minded snitch.

Thief not their 🤦‍♀️