Blue badge visit from the council.

[Redmasseyinmydrive]

DD (ASD) has a blue badge and has had it for 4-5 years. We've had no problem at all with her getting it etc. Today I've had a phone call to say they will do a routine visit next week. Has anyone else had this?

We never misused the blue badge...but worried that were having a visit.

I have never heard of this.
Being suspicious I would be contacting the office via the council switchboard to check that it is a genuine call.

On the phone now...

Is it a real visit then?

The blue badge department haven't phoned us, only 2 ladies working there and it was a man who phoned to make the appointment! Thank you starfish I wouldn't have double checked if it was genuine call otherwise.

I'm going to make sure we are out of the house next week when the visit is meant to be.

Rather than being out next week I wonder if it would be possible to stay in and have someone 'official' with you? Would the council be interested in getting to the bottom of this? After all, you might not be the only person who has been contacted and if you aren't then someone else who doesn't know to check might be getting a visit from someone dodgy with who knows what motive.

Mind you, could it be a disgruntled neighbour who doesn't think you are entitled to the badge and wants to put the wind up you? We see on MN enough times that people think only wheelchair users are entitled to badges.

pixel tbh I thought maybe our neighbour, we haven't lived here long and only have one neighbour as we are in the sticks. Our DD does spend a lot of time outdoors on her tomcat bike which she loves and able to cycle very well on it. The neighbour would be able to see her cycling when she cycles by the driveway gates. Our neighbour raises a hand or will say hello but we don't know them anymore than that.

Well the lady I spoke too wasn't that concerned as I asked what we should do if someone calls up and she just said all the council workers have an identity card. How easy would it be to make/get a fake one though?

Well if it is targeted at you I doubt anyone will actually turn up. They probably just want to make you worried about being 'caught out' using a badge under false pretences (as they see it).

I'd have to know though . I'd be hiding in the car with a camera and a german shepherd just in case!

pixel I'm normally nosey but scared who might turn up, I think it's best that we aren't here just incase.

Yes I suppose it would be different for me as I live in a close and have neighbours all around so I don't blame you really.

surely this should be reported to the police? what if someone DOES turn up that is actually fraudulently? they need arresting and investigating if they are fake visitors.

Actually yes I agree a matter for the police. It might be someone who thinks blue badge = vulnerable person and wants an excuse to get inside their house.

Thank you all.

I tend to overreact and a bit anxious when it comes to DD When the blue badge lady played it down so to speak I thought it was me being OTT and panicking over nothing! Im going to phone again tomorrow morning to query it again and will then phone 101. DH has already spoken to his friend (policeman) and said to do the above.

Glad you've decided to call the police, this is very very worrying and is definitely a police matter.

Just a thought - if 'dodgy blue badge man' was the last person to call you, have you tried 1471? Just in case he was stupid enough to forget to disguise his number?

In fact I'd be on to the phone company once I had a police incident number as I think they'll be able to trace the call.

I'd be wondering how the hell they got your phone number. When you phone 101, ask if an officer can be at your house when the person calls round. It could well be a scam to try to extort some fees out of you, or just plain check out your house. Close the door behind you and talk to them on the doorstep if you're not comfortable - and ask lots of questions.

Oh - and don't confirm any personal information at all, if they do turn up.

I'd be interested, too. Can imagine MIL falling for scams like this.

Very worrying glad you are going to call the police

God how scary! Well done starfish, I would have never thought

Goodness me.
I know I was suspicious - because I have never heard of this happening - but was sort of expecting that it would all turn out to be genuine!

The panic is over!

DH had a phone call this morning just after 9:15am to say that they wanted to visit us due to our council tax reduction (our council drops a band if you use one room specially designed for person with SEN) not because of DD blue badge. They apologised and said there had been some confusion regarding the visit due to staffing issues.

DH made them aware of the worry they caused. Thank you all for being there and helping me through it.

Thank goodness!