Did you know that the child benefit you receive for your children can be claimed by anyone, even your neighbour. To actually receive payment they would need to provide supporting evidence (?) which you are not entitled to see. This is what my ExH has done. My teenage son went to stay with his father in a fit of pique, but returned home after 5 weeks. Had to let him because every time there was a disagreement he threatened to go to his dads. I then received a letter saying that my child benefit had stopped for son. No discussion, no investigation, nothing. My son was back home by this point. His father is still receiving his sons child benefit and I have to apply as if it were a fresh claim. Remember, anyone can do this to you.