My neighbour is threatening to report me for “benefit fraud”

[AugustSlippedAwayInto]

I’m currently signed off sick from work after an operation last week. My street is full of gossips (to put it nicely) so the entire street knows why I’m off. Brill.

For full disclosure, the relationship with this neighbour is rocky at best. She’s screamed abuse at me and my family in the street before, she watched everyone from her window and films people walking past very regularly.

I decided that I felt well enough for a short walk yesterday, so my mum came over and offered we went. I think we were out for about half an hour, with a break halfway.

This morning as soon as she’s seen I’m up (lights on, curtains open etc) she’s banging on my door saying she’s contacted my work and “the government” to report that I’m “committing fraud”. I’m talking shouting, banging my door so hard I thought she’d break the glass, slapping the front windows. It’s all on the ring camera.

I’m not on SSP, as I get occupational sick pay, and after my walk I slept for three hours! WIBU to just tell her to do one and to leave me alone?

Yup she's mad. But also is it bordering harassment? Maybe worth a call to 101.

Of course you should. Though contacting the police is more important.

She sounds deranged! Hope you are feeling better soon!

She’s had the police there the other day - nobody knows why (though I’m sure I could find out if I could be bothered!)

Shes absolutely insane. She’s managed to fall out with everyone on the street, and we suspect she’s got mental health issues, but refuses to engage with the system.

Tell her to fuck off. Fucking fruit loop.

Call the police on her nutty arse for harassment especially if she really has contacted your work

Log it with the police. She sounds unhinged and this may escalate.

I would absolutely report this to the police. How awful.

But how does everyone know your business? Just don’t tell anyone anything. Even on a nosey street they can’t talk about you if you don’t share anything.

A lot of the neighbours are really quite friendly! I don’t mind it overly, I’m quite good friends with one of the old ladies who lives a few doors down. She’s basically my adopted nan at this point. I told her I’d be getting this surgery so couldn’t come and see her for a couple of weeks, and told some of the others I get on with!

Don't engage with her directly because she sounds mentally unstable and you've no idea what she might do, but do contact the police.

So streets like this exist?? Utterly alien to anywhere I have ever lived

as for your question, let her

And clearly they’re gossiping to others

So how about keeping your health issues to yourself

Ring or similar doorbells can be very useful for gathering evidence for harassment and stalking

I wouldn't engage with her as she sounds unstable. Report to 101 if you think she is dangerous - or 999 if she is actively being dangerous.

Also please don't worry about going for a walk, (if you are). It's absolutely essential to gently exercise post op (depending on what you've had done if course).

Honestly it’s a touch annoying but also all in good fun - the majority of my neighbours are 80+ year old women who were all widowed a decade ago. Also not really the point of the post 😅

This is a good tip. You need to be building up evidence and contact the police.

I try to capture clips as and when I can. She will come out into her front garden and stare us down whenever we’re out the front, which is totally bizarre.

I would absolutely call the police about this. How dare she harass you like this in your own home.

Unless you want to throw fuel on the fire and have an all out war with this woman then don't engage AT ALL!!! Can't you see that's what she wants? She wants a reason to have a fight so don't give her one.
Just call the police and log it. If she comes round again, don't answer the door, just call the police.....

How on earth do your neighbours know your private medical affairs? You must have told them I presume. Given you know they are gossips maybe keep that information to yourself in future.
I'd report the neighbour for harassment.

Walking is good for recovery so try to stay active,I'm sure your work won't expect you to be bed bound 24/7
Download & save the recording from ring door bell and show the police what she's capable of, she's a nutcase.

Report her to the police for harassment.

It sounds like she has mental health issues and could be a danger to herself and others.

Pop down to your local station and show them the footage. Ask them if they would have a word with her. Sometimes a stern word from police is enough.

You say your street is “full of gossips”

So if you don’t want your health gossiped about…. Wait for it…. Keep it to yourself 🤷♀️