Universal credit review benefit fraud

stressedmum1
stressedmum1 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
in Universal Credit (UC)

hi. I am sick with worry and need advice. I am my adult daughter’s appointee for benefits. She is on UC and gets Pip for severe mental health issues. We had a benefit review and they have asked for her PayPal account statements. I did not know she had a PayPal account and when I asked her for the statement today, she became very distressed. It turns out she has received payments (approx £1000 over 3/4 months) from some online marketing thing she got involved with through a gaming site( I’m not 100% of the details).She now thinks she is going to be convicted of benefit fraud and is terrified she will have to go to court etc. I’m so worried she will hurt herself again or worse. I rang my local CAB for advice but they were quite blunt and just said it was fraud and it’s possible they will prosecute. I’m sick with worry. I can pay any money she owes , I just know she won’t cope with any kind of scrutiny. Can anyone give me some reassurance or advice? Thank you 😢

Comments

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 1,651 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Welcome @stressedmum1 😊

    I'm sorry you're struggling with this situation. I don't have answer as this is not something I've encountered before but try not to assume the worst before you know exactly what will happen. I know that's easier said than done. Have you tried to contact them directly through the journal?

  • Meg24
    Meg24 Online Community Member Posts: 366 Trailblazing

    If you're an appointee for benefits, is this because she is unable to manage finances? I would have thought there would at least be a case to be made that she was unaware of the implications of receiving money so is surely due some discretion? Has there been any coercion from someone else to set up this account? If she's been persuaded to do this by an online company I think there are legitimate concerns to pass to the relevant authorities to prevent them taking advantage of vulnerable people. You might have a local law centre that offers free legal advice (like the Greater Manchester Law Centre in GM), maybe that could be your next step.

  • MW123
    MW123 Scope Member Posts: 883 Championing
    edited July 2024

    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/119913/universal-credit-review-benefit-fraud

    I understand how distressing this situation must be for you, especially finding out about the PayPal account under such circumstances. It's clear that you care deeply for your daughter's well-being.

    Given that you, as the appointee, were unaware of your daughter's PayPal account and the associated income, it is essential to communicate this clearly to the DWP. The fact that you were not informed of her financial activities due to her misunderstanding of the requirements or her mental health condition should be highlighted as part of your explanation.

    For a case to be considered fraud, there generally needs to be evidence of intent to deceive. If someone makes an honest mistake or is unaware of certain requirements, this is typically treated as an error or oversight rather than fraud.

    It would be beneficial to engage with the DWP as soon as possible to explain the situation, demonstrate a willingness to rectify the oversight, and discuss how future communication and reporting can be improved to prevent similar issues.

    If you feel confident, it might be best to try resolving this issue directly with the DWP first, without involving a solicitor. This way, you can potentially clarify the misunderstanding and address any overpayments without incurring legal fees. However, if the situation becomes more complicated or if at any point you feel out of your depth, you could then consider taking legal advice. My heart goes out to you both and I wish you all the best.

  • stressedmum1
    stressedmum1 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    Thank

    You for all the responses. Have calmed down a bit now. Daughter has sent me her. Statements. I don’t really understand them. There are random amounts paid in and a lot going out. To be honest it looks like she has been involved in some sort of scam. She is distraught and says she feels violated having to send in her statements. Hopefully they will se there was no intent to defraud, just an unwell young woman who is struggling.

  • MW123
    MW123 Scope Member Posts: 883 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/888417#Comment_888417

    It's good to know that this stressful situation has been resolved. It's always deeply appreciated when people take a moment to share their positive outcomes. Stories like yours not only uplift but can also guide others who might find themselves facing similar challenges. x

  • kiran123
    kiran123 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener

    hi can you explain how you sorted out

    What they asked and how you explain it will be helpful for others

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