lainie wrote: Well, had the visit today. Although a very nice lady, polite and helpful, still a frightening and unpleasant experience even with husband there. Istill had to write a statement confirming the am dram five minute appearance etc. Someone had rung the sneaks line and informed on me, saying that I was working as well! Absolutely not true. Lady said that she was investigating for fraud, as they have to investigate every one of these calls they get. She said I was not to worry about it, and looked at other aspects and advised me to claim DLA as well. Cannot believe that a friend would have done this to me. Very upset and depressed as you can imagine - I did ask her ' are we not entitled to have a life, because we are claiming.' She advised against any kind of am-dram in future, and said any other information they received about me would be reported to the Fraud Officers. From now on I am going to become a recluse I suppose. Hope this is helpful to others. Just disappear, don't appear in public, not allowed. Lainie
I am very surprised that you have been investigated for suspected fraud.
It is true that fraud investigators have to investigate all reports they receive, but from experience suspected fraud investigations are normally carried out covertly, and when the incriminating evidence has been collected, the claimant is confronted with the evidence and interviewed under caution. Any other approach such as letting a claimant know of an impending visit, would seriously prejudice any fraud investigations. If there was any suggestion that you were working and claiming benefit illegally, you would almost certainly be placed under surveillance.
It seems that in your situation however, any allegations have proved to be completely unfounded and you were entirely honest in your dealings with the DWP. A case of all's well that ends well.
