Welfare fraud

Airyfairy12

Hi, im asking this for a friend,

What is the process taken after a report is made for social welfare fraud? How long before the person complained about gets notified that a report has been made against them? What information from the complaint is disclosed to the welfare recipient? How long does an investigation normally take?

Raichų

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058386968/welfare-fraud

Generally if there’s a report of fraud the welfare inspector will be looking for any evidence to suggest there’s been fraud committed in the first instance and it’s not a false flag job.

It’s impossible to actually answer the questions you have as it depends largely on the scale of the alleged fraud if any.

Like if it turns out your friend owes the welfare a few hundred euro say- it’s likely to just be taken from their payment each week til it’s repaid; if it’s serious money it may be referred to the Gardaí.

One thing I’d say is if your friend is innocent of fraud they would do well to get any and all relevant documents in order to prove themselves clear. If they have indeed committed fraud; again depending on the scale of it they might be advised to pack a bag for prison.

I’m not trying to frighten you here I’m just giving the worst case.

DayInTheBog

The complainant never knows the outcome.

No information on the complainant is disclosed to the other person

A social welfare inspector looks into the case and makes a decision on how to progress it.

https://www.gov.ie/en/service/report-suspected-social-welfare-fraud/

Airyfairy12

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123030777#Comment_123030777

Thanks, my friend hasnt been reported (that he knows of) just enquiring about the process. Thanks for your reply.

Airyfairy12

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123030781#Comment_123030781

Is the person reported informed that they have been reported before an investigation takes place or at the beginning of an investigation? When do they find out?

Raichų

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123030784#Comment_123030784

they will find out if they did something wrong. Otherwise they’ll likely never hear about it.

I would suggest to your friend however to cease whatever fraudulent activity they’re currently involved in. You won’t convince me they’re just “curious” about it- I mean cmon.

Airyfairy12

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123030800#Comment_123030800

Hes not involved in any fraudulent activities but thank you for your reply. How long does an investigation take?

Raichų

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123030806#Comment_123030806

again; you’re asking a question that’s simply not possible to answer I’m afraid. I mean how long does an investigation into a car accident take?
Depends.

DayInTheBog

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123030784#Comment_123030784

They know when they are called to a meeting. This of course is subject to the inspector being satisfied there is something amiss

DayInTheBog

Welfare don't tell the person to pack a bag. That's the decision of the courts.

The person in most cases won't even know they were being investigated as nothing is found to warrant them being contacted

tinofapples

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123030806#Comment_123030806

Best thing to do is get your friend to call social welfare and ask them those questions, no beating about the bush, straight to the point.

Raichų

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123030949#Comment_123030949

I did not say they would. But someone would not likely be worried about such a situation were they not somewhat aware of what the report may be. I was saying should the fraud alleged be quite substantial it would receive a stern penalty.

Pauliedragon

OP the reality is nobody here can answer your question. It's like if I report my neighbour for selling bags of weed how long before the cops turn up? If you give a specific example of the hypothetical fraud you might get a more informed response.

M3CS

Your "friend" is lucky to have such a concerned "friend" like you!

Dr Robert

Best of luck OP…