Dobbing someone into centrelink.

[HodgoBerro]

Has anyone done this?

cut a long story short I'm in two minds if I should dob this person in or not. This is a close friend who has been defrauding the system for several years and is quite capable of not requiring welfare for income.

thoughts?

 

[nonpop]

Couple of questions I'd be asking:

* Am I considering dobbing based on envy / "why aren't I getting it?" or am I being truly altruistic in my intent to save the public purse (this often involves real inner searching to be honest with ourselves)
* Have I remember the phrase that people in glass houses shouldn't' throw stones (or the pot calling the kettle black) i.e have I ever done something I shouldn't have / taken advantage of a situation (could be something small like overstaying a meter parking and not getting a ticket yet not putting more coins in the meter to 'back-pay' for the time, being given too much change from a purchase and not notifying the cashier through to something much bigger) ... the size of the misdemeanor may be considered irrelevant (within reason) as who is to judge which should or shouldn't be punished and to what extent and by that very nature shouldn't every misdemeanor be compensated
* Am I really aware of the full circumstances vs what the person is telling me
* Is there any likelihood of retribution
* Is there another informal way to solve the matter / change behaviour i.e an anonymous letter to the person
* Ever claimed something on your tax return that may be shouldn't have been ... and not offered to pay it back
* the question list goes on and on

I am not saying you should or shouldn't as only you can assess the situation and made the decision.

 

[under the radar]

the 'collective' welfare abusers are part of the reason govts tighten ALL OUR belts (including yours)... sorry but I have no empathy/sympathy for that 'collective'... and not to mention how it affects/effects those that are legitimately on welfare... it's up to you if you wish to 'bury your head'/legitimize your 'friends' actions...hope you sleep well at night.

people who don't deserve welfare will be the ones who offer 'excuses' as to why they are on welfare...the ones that truly deserve welfare don't need to 'justify' why..as their reasons are clear and within the law/requirements

and yes, if I knew a 'friend'/family member was doing the same...I'd dob 'em in.. and they would cease to be a part of my life

there are my thoughts

 

[The Rok]

Happy to pay my fair share of tax, but only to support the truly needy, not lazy bludgers!

DOB EM

 

[Mark3000]

There really is no dilemma, they should not be allowed to get away with that.
Can you really trust this person anyway? They would probably cheat you if they could get away with it.
Dob them in

 

[mannej]

If you have the evidence and have thought about it, go ahead.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I would have zero sympathy for citizens rorting the system also - but whichever course you choose to chart just make sure you are 1,000% sure of the facts before you proceed.

 

[desiredusername]

You should see the forms that kids need to fill in for the dole. Gracious - 'do you know anyone with overseas assets ..sign here and go to jail if we find out the ex dad stashed cash in Switzerland to hide from mummy's family lawyers. Geeez, Centerlink should pay the kids a reward for all the detective work.

If it wasn't for the rorters, the legit would get it without this cough.

Dob them. Chances are he'll have a harder time explaining where that shiny new Harley came from.

 

[drross]

Dob them in. What else are they doing that's illegal. With most offenders it's usually not just 1 'little' fraud.

 

[deejo77]

Government revenue is collect by those of us who pay taxes at the correct legal requirement - I would have no problem if I had actual evidence to support my claim of notifying those in the correct places the information required to investigate a person/business (you know those who don't use the cash register for every transaction) . I do not like the term Dobbing in - if I seen someone on the street getting bashed and I called the police I don't think I am dobbing the offender in but doing something my parents taught me (moral and ethical values). Just my two cents - you are the only person who can make that decision - to notify or not is sometimes difficult for people.

 

[whatmeworry]

The Government would save more money if they shutdown the loophole of high income earners putting all their income into super and then taking it straight out, at only 15%.

 

[here2go]

Another ethical dilemma for OP. I am also aware of a scam that people I know conduct, wearing clothes they have "Bought" for the night, reapplying the tags, and then taking it back for a refund. They even went so far as to buy a plastic taggy thing so they look like they've not been worn. While I acknowledge this as a good way to earn points (pay on CC, refund on Visa/MC Debit Card, just don't use Store Card), it is highly unethical. Should I report them, and if so, who to?

 

[TonyHancock]

The Government would save more money if they shutdown the loophole of high income earners putting all their income into super and then taking it straight out, at only 15%.

That loophole has well and truly gone.

https://www.ato.gov.au/uploadedFiles/Content/SPR/downloads/SPR38466factsheet.pdf

 

[prozac]

Just do it.

 

[BadgerBoi]

Has anyone done this?

cut a long story short I'm in two minds if I should dob this person in or not. This is a close friend who has been defrauding the system for several years and is quite capable of not requiring welfare for income.

thoughts?

No brainer - yep, you need to dob.

 

[drross]

Another ethical dilemma for OP. I am also aware of a scam that people I know conduct, wearing clothes they have "Bought" for the night, reapplying the tags, and then taking it back for a refund. They even went so far as to buy a plastic taggy thing so they look like they've not been worn. While I acknowledge this as a good way to earn points (pay on CC, refund on Visa/MC Debit Card, just don't use Store Card), it is highly unethical. Should I report them, and if so, who to?

I think you should let the clothes shops know of the scam.

 

[ermen]

Out of curiosity, what is the nature and extent of the fraud?
Will your friend know that it was you that dobbed them in?

 

[cove]

You would battle to find the smartest Centrelink recipients not receiving disability payments as that is much more money. Apparently Australia has about a million folks claiming this way instead of unemployment.
The only way to reasonably tackle the black economy is to raise the GST and get a bit off those fraudsters.
Thank you Tony Hancock for posting the superannuation rules that were updated.

 

[Hvr]

Another ethical dilemma for OP. I am also aware of a scam that people I know conduct, wearing clothes they have "Bought" for the night, reapplying the tags, and then taking it back for a refund. They even went so far as to buy a plastic taggy thing so they look like they've not been worn. While I acknowledge this as a good way to earn points (pay on CC, refund on Visa/MC Debit Card, just don't use Store Card), it is highly unethical. Should I report them, and if so, who to?

I'm surprised the store allows them a refund on a different card to the original purchase. Yes it's fraud and the store should be told.

Re the OP yes tell CentreLink, they do follow up.

 

[Simo]

Happy to pay my fair share of tax, but only to support the truly needy, not lazy bludgers!

DOB EM

Could not have said it better myself..