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Original poster

Benefit Fraud Advice

110 replies

Blailey · 27/02/2024 07:38

I’m looking for some advice regarding benefit fraud and the chances of me going to prison.

My partner is the father to all three of my children and is registered at his parents house. We have been together for 10 years and I have claimed HB, CTC and have now moved over to Universal Credit. I have always claimed as single as he’s registered at his parent’s and to be perfectly honest, we struggle to make ends meet even with the benefits. When we moved into our home 7 years ago, I only put my name on the tenancy.

I have recently received a message from UC about a compliance interview over the phone. I think a friend that I fell out with has reported me, she knew what was going on with my benefits.

Since I got the message, my partner has moved into his parents as I’m so worried that I will go to prison.

Could they have been watching my house? I’m so worried that if they know he’s been living with me for 7 years then I will have to pay all of the money back and I could get a criminal record. Hopefully now he is at his parents, they will see he’s not living here.

Had anyone been in a similar position? What was the outcome. I’m loosing sleep!

OP posts:
WithACatLikeTread · 27/02/2024 09:22

Blailey · 27/02/2024 09:16

I can understand why people are angry with me, I know at least 6 people that are doing this too and it does go on.
I do actually work part time and my partner works full time. He doesn’t pay money into my account, I just use his debit card for shopping, petrol, etc. it’s a struggle to make ends meet, especially with the cost of living crisis.
He’s Always had everything registered to his parent’s address, dr, dentist, car insurance.
I know a lot of you have said to tell the truth, but if they have no proof of anything, I could be getting myself into trouble. All the bills are in my name, the only way they would know is if they’re been watching my house before the letter was sent.

At some point they are going to find out. They might have been slack investigating people on tax credits but they are really coming down on people on UC very hard.

Him moving out just after makes you both look very guilty. Do you go and shoplift because you know others are doing it?

FiveShelties · 27/02/2024 09:24

As long as you know at least 6 other people that are cheating then that makes it ok @Blailey 🤔

Ffs22 · 27/02/2024 09:28

So you’re both working AND claiming benefits - I think that’s actually worst. You shouldn’t have had 3 kids if you were struggling. Imagine if everyone did this? You should be ashamed of yourselves.

MayThe4th · 27/02/2024 09:31

Blailey · 27/02/2024 09:16

I can understand why people are angry with me, I know at least 6 people that are doing this too and it does go on.
I do actually work part time and my partner works full time. He doesn’t pay money into my account, I just use his debit card for shopping, petrol, etc. it’s a struggle to make ends meet, especially with the cost of living crisis.
He’s Always had everything registered to his parent’s address, dr, dentist, car insurance.
I know a lot of you have said to tell the truth, but if they have no proof of anything, I could be getting myself into trouble. All the bills are in my name, the only way they would know is if they’re been watching my house before the letter was sent.

Got to be a windup. Reported.

WithACatLikeTread · 27/02/2024 09:32

Are you claiming council tax reduction as a single parent as well?

lifeisfunandflowersbloomintherain · 27/02/2024 09:32

Okay don't panic , and yes that friend wasn't good to do that get your partner to confirm the correct details of his work and where his parents are , I don't drive the moped so can't get out as much and have recently started to have a cold n I am a bit poorly as I forgot to take the anxiety meds.

Julen7 · 27/02/2024 09:35

Blailey · 27/02/2024 09:16

I can understand why people are angry with me, I know at least 6 people that are doing this too and it does go on.
I do actually work part time and my partner works full time. He doesn’t pay money into my account, I just use his debit card for shopping, petrol, etc. it’s a struggle to make ends meet, especially with the cost of living crisis.
He’s Always had everything registered to his parent’s address, dr, dentist, car insurance.
I know a lot of you have said to tell the truth, but if they have no proof of anything, I could be getting myself into trouble. All the bills are in my name, the only way they would know is if they’re been watching my house before the letter was sent.

You say they have no proof of anything but a compliance interview suggests they do. I would advise you very strongly not to try and cover anything up.

MayThe4th · 27/02/2024 09:35

I know a lot of you have said to tell the truth, but if they have no proof of anything, I could be getting myself into trouble. All the bills are in my name, the only way they would know is if they’re been watching my house before the letter was sent. the fact you have three children together is proof enough.

The only reason why someone with three children would live apart from the children’s father would be so they can claim benefits. Any idiot with half a brain knows that.

So yeah, there is ample proof.

FiveShelties · 27/02/2024 09:36

Got to be a windup. Reported.

I hope you are right

InspectorGidget · 27/02/2024 09:40

How would you explain that you've had 3 kids with this guy in all this time and aren't together?

And then he's happy for you to pick up the slack and be a single mum while he lets you use his debit card for petrol and food and now be faced with any outcome from these investigations.

What a man.

MayThe4th · 27/02/2024 09:40

I mean there absolutely are people who cheat the system. But I don’t imagine there are many who are quite as brazen about it.

After all, it would be easy for MNHQ to send the OP’s credentials, email address, IP address etc to the relevant authorities. MNHQ wouldn’t, but if one comes on to a public website and is stupid enough to gloat about defrauding the system, then one probably doesn’t have the level of intelligence to hide one’s whereabouts and identity, and one can never guarantee that that information won’t fall into the right hands once it’s public.

So actually, this thread alone is proof of guilt.

Startingagainandagain · 27/02/2024 10:09

Well you did commit fraud if your partner was living with you all that time and contributing to rent and bills for the past few years.

There is not much more to say about it.

All you can do is attend the interview and put across your side of the story.

OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon · 27/02/2024 10:15

Of course they have watched your home, I expect he has been watched going to work etc. and they will know where he works.

I don't think you will be surprised just how much they do know about you.

I am surprised you didn't notice the car in the road so often.

and btw they also watched his parents home...

and not only are you claiming every benefit possible, you both work ! i.e. you part time and him full time !!!

WOW

you are in deep shit ! they get all their ducks in a row before, long before sending you a letter.

professorcunning · 27/02/2024 10:20

Your update is quite concerning, if they get wind of the fact that this sort of fraud is quite common in your social group and openly talked about they will go harder on you. Using his card and him not paying child support are massive red flags too. I really don't see you getting out of this.

LIZS · 27/02/2024 10:32

So you are never out together, school runs, trips to the park, doctor/dentist, hospital etc? Do you use social media? Do your children not speak about your home-life? You are exceptionally naive if you thought having paperwork at another address would avoid fraud detection. By the way his car insurance is invalid if he does not live where he has stated.

Overthebow · 27/02/2024 10:34

If they are going to watch him then of course they are going to do it before they send the letter. They’re not stupid, most people would do the same as you as soon as they got the letter so they will do their investigating before sending it.

Thingsthatgo · 27/02/2024 10:36

Imagine the police are investigating the thief of thousands of pounds in cash. That is the level of investigation that is quietly going on. That is what you have been doing - you are a criminal.

OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon · 27/02/2024 10:44

As an aside, I remember watching a BBC programme in the morning, and it was regarding a potentially vacant Council house.

The tenant claimed to live there, the Council investigated - TO THE EXTENT OF CCTV !!! on a nearby lamp post.

It was proven to the tenant that she did not live there.

BodyKeepingScore · 27/02/2024 10:49

You broke the law and defrauded the public out of money. You won't go to jail but I hope you have to pay it all back.

BodyKeepingScore · 27/02/2024 10:52

Blailey · 27/02/2024 09:16

I can understand why people are angry with me, I know at least 6 people that are doing this too and it does go on.
I do actually work part time and my partner works full time. He doesn’t pay money into my account, I just use his debit card for shopping, petrol, etc. it’s a struggle to make ends meet, especially with the cost of living crisis.
He’s Always had everything registered to his parent’s address, dr, dentist, car insurance.
I know a lot of you have said to tell the truth, but if they have no proof of anything, I could be getting myself into trouble. All the bills are in my name, the only way they would know is if they’re been watching my house before the letter was sent.

They most likely were watching your house and have reasonable cause to question you. It doesn't matter that everything went to his parents house. You broke the law and behaved entirely immorally and you don't seem to have a shred of remorse over it, only fear that you've finally been caught. Millions of families are on the breadline even with two parents working and you somehow felt you were entitled to extra free money?!?

SnoozySuzie · 27/02/2024 11:17

https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/pdfs/Benefit_fraud_Leaflet.pdf

Lots of good advice on this website OP.

Chersfrozenface · 27/02/2024 11:55

The DWP has the power to examine bank accounts where fraud is suspected.

If his debit card is being used to buy things that ate obviously for the home, you and the children, if you've been using it when he is at work and not at the shop / garage, then they'll know he is paying regularly for household expenses.

Jmaho · 27/02/2024 12:04

The reason he doesn't pay anything into your account is because the taxpayer pays everything so he doesn't need to!
Honestly what a disgrace. You pay all the bills with housing benefit, UC and your part time wage. Then he keeps his full time wage bar a bit for food shopping because he pretends he lives with his parents.
Disgusting. I hope you are both made to pay back every single penny

Whaleandsnail6 · 27/02/2024 12:54

So no remorse from you at all? Just trying to cover your back and not get into trouble. If you are a genuine poster, its people like you that make it so hard for genuine claimants and you should be ashamed of yourself.

I hope they find out your lies and prosecute to the highest level they can given how little you care about what you have done.

Ilikewinter · 27/02/2024 12:59

OP if this thread is real and not a total wind up then you are 100% in the shit. The fraud investigations, especially after thousands of fake COVID claims, have been massivley ramped up with lots of new and old DWP staff moved to investigation teams. Nothing is off limits so don't be surprised if CCTV comes out and witness statementsduring your interview. Oh and guilt will be written all over your face, so dont think you'll wing the interview.

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