DWP fishing phone call?

[ShingleAllTheWay]

Hey all posting here for traffic and opinions as I'm in a total flap and not sure what's happening. I'm currently on income support and carers.

Just had a call from the DWP saying that they have been told by the Student finance people that I've been doing a university course with the OU in 2018. I said I have done a course, yes but I think it was 2017 when I completed it. He said what was the result? I said I got a BA and he asked the subject. Said was it part time, I said yes. I said I was surprised he was calling me as I had discussed my course repeatedly at the lone parent interviews over 4 years as they wanted to update their records with my progress. I was also called into a compliance interview last year after a malicious report where again, I mentioned completing my degree and how I had done everything I could to be work ready when I was no longer a caree. The interview found I had done nothing wrong. He sounded very surprised and said he would look into this.

But some of it just doesn't add up. I've checked my student record and I did sign up to do a stand alone module (after my degree) in 2018 but it wasn't for the amount he said it was. He said it was £975 fee that the student finance had told him about but it wasn't, it was £2250 but I didn't complete the module as I cancelled it the week after it started. But I had mentioned on my FB "achievements " that I was starting a first year module in STEM . I was doing this hoping to add extra appeal to my teaching application and future employment prospects but My caring duties changed so I couldn't even start it, so the fee was refunded. This was financed under second degree STEM rules Via student finance.

Why would student finance contact the DWP with incorrect info? Don't they share systems? If so how did he get this so wrong? Or is my sister likely to be correct when she says that somebody has seen on fb that I'm apparently doing a course and has reported me thinking I'm breaking the rules as a carer ? Or just out of plain old spite.

I'm having a total panic attack even though i haven't done anything wrong and disclosed this every step of the way.

@snookercue yeah thanks for that. Is it really so wrong that I sought advice on a forum while I was in a panic? I have explained that last year I couldn't get ANY information about the interview I needed to have but it was still a genuine interview.

I haven't dive anything wrong. I know I haven't and the information they had was wildly inaccurate. So I'm now pretty sure that it was a malicious report like the last one. I haven't broken any rules and told the man to contact me should he need any more information.

yeah thanks for that. Is it really so wrong that I sought advice on a forum while I was in a panic?

Not at all. That you won't take it is somewhat baffling though.

Well what did they say in the heel of the hunt?

You say you haven't broken any rules. Did the caller concur?

Why the hell do people give out personal information over the phone? This was a completely unsolicited phone call from a number you didn't recognise, yet you confirmed your name, address, dob, kids names.

I NEVER disclose any of that stuff unless I am expecting the call - no legitimate organisation has ever refused to write to me confirming that they need to speak to me, and given me a number I can call them on at my convenience, to discuss any matter.

No wonder hackers/fraudsters manage to screw people over...

Is your FB profile visible to the public? Could DWP have seen it as part of their checks, instead of someone you know reporting you? In any case, you didn't profit from the 2018 course, you haven't lied. So you have nothing to worry about.

OP, I get horrendous paranoia and intrusive thoughts, so I know what it's like to have rubbish mental health.
You're not unreasonable for seeking advice when you're feeling worried.
DWP have made me feel terrible before. Best of luck xxx

I might be going well over the top here, but with my fearful mind I'd contact the police in some capacity.
When you can, maybe get in touch with citizens advice bureau xxx

I can't understand why they are asking anyway. I get carers and have just finished a degree. Many students with the ou get carers or disability benefits as the study is so flexible and is part time.

ShingleAllTheWay YANBU.

Next time you get a similar call;

• Refuse to give out any personal info, it isn't safe because you cant verify the caller is genuine. Ask for them to contact you in writing and double check the address is correct before you put anything in the post.

• Tell them someone is harassing you by repeatedly making false complaints. Tell them they need to get the details of anyone making a complaint about you to check it isn't the same person, because the information is false every time.

You can make a complaint to the DWP but it's hard to get hard of the contact details for someone high up