To report this as benefit fraud

[ClareClareClareClare]

A relative is claiming benefits, can’t work due to health but is one of those who is always complaining about something wrong with her but is always able to do the things she wants to do. Can holiday abroad, always down the gym, etc. When she was working she was always making complaints against employers- one of life’s victims.

She sold a property a couple of years ago and has squirrelled about £40k away through investments. I think has got her mother to do this for her.

I’m so fed up of seeing people like her take the piss. I 100% support a welfare system and it really pisses me off to see it abused like this. And meanwhile we are working our arses off and not able to afford the foreign travel and gym memberships.

I’m so tempted to report her secret savings to DWP.

The figures are low because it isn’t being reported and they are not being reported as it seems most people are against reporting which is extremely evident from this post

If all suspect benefit fraud was reported the figures would be much higher

I never understand why people get uppity about reporting it, what other things would you turn a blind eye to? If you are certain of your facts then yes definitely report it. I think it's prob more rife than a lot of people assume. I had a loosely related family member and they got caught out and quite right too.

Waiting to hear again from social justice warrior @Hastentoadd

www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fraud-and-error-in-the-benefit-system-financial-year-2021-to-2022-estimates/background-information-fraud-and-error-in-the-benefit-system-statistics-2021-to-2022-estimates

You seem to be struggling with reading comprehension, most people on this thread are not against reporting.

Sorry, I meant a large amount of money. I know it's not that much. But If it's over £16k then it's fraud.

Nope, that’s not how it works and that’s why I included the link I did. Have a good read through the methodology.

Bit rude . The poster is correct in what they say.

No, they’re not. They’re in fact what is termed as “wrong.” Empirically so.

You sound jealous

Really? How many posters on this thread have said not to report?
many have raised issues regarding type of benefit, evidence of the £40k, jealousy, whether the relative is fit to work or not..

You're right, it's fine to feel angry at benefit fraud and there is a lot of it about.

But Mumsnet has a very weird take on it. Apparently it doesn't affect anyone and everyone should just turn a blind eye to it.

Of course if the treasury hadn't paid out 7.4 billion last year in fraudulent claims, it could be spent elsewhere. The NHS perhaps, social services, CAHMs. If benefits cheats didn't exist we could all pay less tax.

It is theft. It's morally no different that scamming pensioners or shop lifting. Everyone should be doing their bit to make society a better place, reporting crime helps make society a better place. Stealing money is a crime.

From Full Fact
'The latest figures show that in 2023/24 2.8% (or £7.4 billion) of benefits expenditure was overpaid due to fraud.'
7.4 billion may be enough to build a new hospital for your cancer treatment, and it could be enough to build new schools and pay for extra teachers for your children. Still think benefit fraud is a victimless crime? It's not - and we're all victims of these fraudsters, aren't we?

I’m in no way struggling with reading comprehension, read the posts, an awful lot are in fact vehemently against it

Not true. What is an awful lot in terms of numbers?
Not only do you seem to struggle with reading comprehension, but also with facts. You may recall in a previous post (19.17 to be precise ) that you accused me of being anti reporting, yet as I have stated on numerous occasions on this thread if the original poster is so sure of her evidence then she should be on the phone to DWP rather than posting on mumsnet.

Getting a bit tired of this "no harm" narrative from you. You do realise people have actually killed themselves over false fraudulent benefit claims, and people have starved to death when their benefits have been cut off.

Just distance yourself. It’s always better to not get involved.

Suspect fraud ( of any kind) should always be reported, stop trying to guilt trip people into not reporting

Why?

So you believe suspect fraud ( not just benefit fraud) should be ignored and let fraudsters get on with it, or do you just not believe in reporting suspect benefit fraud

Replying to question. No they dont check everyone, but every now and again they do random checks. Especially if you started your claim during covid.

I would question your own reading compression skills if you are incapable of determining from the posts on this thread something which is extremely evident

@Hastentoadd

No it shouldn't! Do you realsie how much time it takes to iniate an investigation? And 88% of reports result in no action, because either the report was vindictive or they have no clue how the benefit system works and they're just a busy body.

Another one who is vehemently against reporting benefit fraud…..it’s no wonder the reported figures are so low

Have asked you to define a lot, but you don’t appear to want to answer? Apologies, you said ‘most’ not a lot. Perhaps you can give a figure for most? 70%, 75% of posters? Of course not.
it is not extremely evident as you are well aware.

I think you have already been provided with a link to the methodology…

Read it
My opinion is still the same, All suspect fraud of ANY nature should be reported