False allegations of benefit fraud

[stardust_john]

Don't you think its about time that when an allegation of benefit fraud is proved to be false that we should be allowed to know who made it and fight back?

I understand the agency needs to investigate these claims and it does happen, I personally years ago had an allegation made against me and a friend out of malice alone.

I know who I think it was because they as much threatened to cause harm and when I and a friend said who we thought would want to lie about us the investigators said there is nothing to investigate and said although we cant tell you who made the allegation, we can say your not far out

I then avoided this person like the plague and although repetedly this person had borrowed money from me in the past and took money from me without returning it when I was vulnerable, she still tried to ask for money and I had to repetedly say I am on benefits as you know, how can I bale you out of your problems. You see I have memory problems and I truly think she was playing on me maybe not remembering, it took a friend of mine to say no stop it to her and she made the allegations I believe soon after.

Point is what is there to protect us from the stress of these situations out of our control. I know the idea of if you have nothing to hide why worry, but on benefits we are aware of how if our money is suddenly stopped, how do we survive when ill as in my case?

I think we should be able to sue for false allegations or at least be reassured the dwp would fine them for wasting time along side the ads for people to 'dob' people in they believe are fraudulant. In my case the person asked to borrow £500.00 for rent arrears, my friend said stop it and then they made a call I believe, trying to get some sort financial gain. Turned out I was told they would not get a reward unless allegation was proved, though she turned to me weeks later and said shucks I needed that money!!!! Maybe next time, now surely that sort of person should go to court for defamation.

She's moved now so I wont be bothered by her again but it pushed me to a near breakdown, I'm paranoid enough without this sort of thing.

What do you think?

[stardust_john]

Obviously not much, just me ranting I suppose. I shouldnt read this bit of the forum because it reminds me of how much stress I was put under.

[Tezcatlipoca]

Sorry that you've not yet had a response, and for the terrible anxiety to which you've been subjected.

However, I suspect I speak for many others on this board when I say we're deeply sympathetic, but not really able to give you any more empowerment than our goodwill.

I cannot be absolutely certain, but I sorely doubt that you will find any redress through the DWP. You could of course bring a private action, but the process is long, stressful and does not guarantee you will win.

I understand your absolute rage at whomsoever has done this to you, and I'm sorry if it's not the answer you want, but probably the best thing you can do is close this chapter, learn from it, and move on.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

[bazak1]

The problem would be proving evil intent OR did they just read the situation wrong. To give an example, imagine a neighbour seeing another neighbour getting into a vehicle every morning and reporting them for working on benefits. BUT when it all comes out they were just family members picking them up to visit a sick relative and to help in their home while they were bedridden. I know this is just an example, but its easy to see that while one person sees criminal intent to fraud, the actual reason is totally honest.
I think it would tie up an awful lot of time for everyone involved, and unless it was the same person, repeatedly "grassing" on the same people, then i cant see them bothering.

[stardust_john]

Yep its not fair but thats life, I do pity the elderly shes caring for now. I saw her take something and she denied it, once a person does that they wont stop. I have trouble moving on with most things and am going to get help soon, thats the one of the problems my mental health and being able to trust those who want to help. On a lighter note I just thought there should be come back, but as a lot of crimes, its proof and cost of persuing I suppose. I Need to destress. Thanks any way

[zazen.warrior]

I worked in housing benefits a very long time ago and a lot of the time this is done anonymously but once an accusation is made it has to be investigated.

I can remember people calling in and making accusations about their friends clearly out of malice after an argument, and some even called back later to withdraw what they'd said but these too had to be investigated regardless.

At the time they did not have the resources to investigate each one very thoroughly, this may have changed.