Tax Credits Query.....

[CrackopentheBaileys]

Hi all,
I'm hoping I might get lucky and have someone who works at tax credits office read this.
I am a childminder, and I am concerned that a parent that I used to mind for may still be using my reg number to claim tax credits.
It appears that it may just be a bit of gossip, but it's really got me concerned. If I phone them will they be able to tell me who is using my number?
Also, if she has been,is it going to cause problems with my own claim? I assume that they will think that I am earning more than I actually am? I hope this makes sense, I'm really concerned about them cutting my claim because of this woman!

Ex TC officer here (hope I'll do ) No they won't be able to tell you anything, data protection and all that. Don't worry about your claim, the only thing that effects it is what you tell them.
If you're worried that she's using your number fraudulently, call normal TC number and tell them you're concerned and want to report it.
A report will be made and sent to fraud people to be investigated, if she's not no harm done, if she is they'll sort it out

hth

Thanks for your help bored (me too )

If it's on my tax credits file though surely they'd be able to tell me? Won't the people using my number be in my file??

and is she has said she is paying me will it cause a problem for my new claim?
I have visions of them saying to me 'you have said you earn x amount but so and so says they are paying you xxx amount. See my worry?

Nope it's not stored like that unfortunately. The only way they'd be able to tell if she's claiming childcare using your number would be to look at her file.
Your file only had your family and financial info on, i.e your household income that you've given them yourself, it won't be linked to any reg number.

Your file will only pertain to your own personal circumstances.

Call in, advise them you want to report possible fraud, you'll need to provide as much detail as possible about the claimant (age, date of birth, childrens ages and names, etc)

It's worth calling in - a lot of honest people suffer faces by proxy because of a small number of dishonest claimants.

Honestly don't worry about that at all you and she will not be linked in the system in any way even if your number is on her file because your number is not linked to you as a claimant iyswim.
Tax Credits take your word for what you earnt (very open to abuse) unless they get a report that you're lying to them or you're really stupid about it (the things I've seen..honestly! lol) they don't look into it at all.

you guys have just taken a HUGE weight off my shoulders thank you so much.

I knew that I could prove my earnings with bank statements and tax statement etc but I just had this terrible image of them telling me I owed them thousands, I know it happens to lots of people where they have been 'overpaid'!

I think I will call them. You are right, if she is doing that, whether it affects me directly or not, it bites someone in the ass sooner or later!

Thanks so much

lol at the things you've seen.... an only guess....

Too 'data protected' to share a story and give us a laff??

I think the absolute best one, where it really didn't take a genius to work out this lady was fiddling the system was when I had a call to say 'I've just had triplets need to add them onto my claim' ok says I, names dob etc etc,
go into claim only to see this is the womans 3rd set of triplets, ok ok possible I hear you say, except it was her 3rd set in 9 months!!

I know people don't like us very much but do they honestly think we're that stupid! lol

Have had loads of others from self employed people, who tell us they're working 60+ hr weeks, when asked what they earnt...'3k this year', and have done for the last 5yrs.Ummmm right, you're either very very stupid or you're hoping we are! lol

Bored...I am also a childminder who works 50 hrs plus a week

I earn very little but cover my costs & love my life

Am I going to be investigated?

Ahhh do you only earn £3k a year Katy? You don't have 15 miraculous kids do you? all born within 18 months?? Thats the Q
Tbh anyone declaring large hours and tiny income will usually be looked at yes

Oh poop - I earn virtually nothing - last year I made a loss

I would hate to give it up

Oh god no didn't mean to worry you! When I say it'll be looked at I mean just that.
If it's looked at all they'll do is check what you've told tc against what the tax office and other agencies may hold on you.
You're not fiddling so absolutely nothing to worry about! If you've been doing it a while, could well be it's already been looked at.
They're sneaky..they don't tell you

Don't worry! honestly

Well don't worry unless you really do have those 15 miraculous kids

No - just the one

A fairly high turnover - very high expenses & a DH who gets a pension we live off

You would think I'd know as I've worked for ES, BA, IR & WFTC