This can't be right

[moljak]

I was approached by someone in the street and asked if I was a childminder to which I replied yes.I was then told by this lady that her sister does her childcare whilst she works but as her sister is unregistered she can't claim tax credits.(This is when i thought I was going to get some potential mindees!)

"Would I be able to use your number?" asks the lady
" sorry???????," I said.

She then went on to say if she could claim using my number me and her sister could half the money she recieves.I'd be in a winning situation as I would get money for having no children.
I think the look on my face said it all.She went on to say many of her friends do it in a local town with other minders and she just thought I might be interested.NO!

I asked how Ofsted would mind if they came to see children I didn't have and how these childminders do their tax as they'd have to put these children down as income.

I was a little scared of this lady but quickly said it wasn't possible for me as I myself get tax credits as I don't have many mindees and my income is small by saying i had her children they would think I earned more and dock my tax credits.By this point I was having palpitations and wanted away asap.

Surely this doesn't happen or am I just being naive??????

[Ripeberry]

Lets hope that it does not happen I'm sure any CM worth his or her salt would NEVER stoop to a trick like that.

I think she was trying to con you. Great thinking about tax credits and a lucky escape

[Shivvie]

Is all I can say!

[AnnieM]

My guess is it probably does happen. I heard something similar many years ago near me.

[auntym]

Oh my god, iv never been asked this and have never heard of a childminder giving thier number to someone they dont care for to claim money!
plus how stupid wud u be to do this as you pay tax on the money they claim - and she says loads do it?? iv never heard of it hon so your not on ur own

[The Juggler]

i hope that these people get caught - that is shocking. they might as well be benefit fraudsters - just as bad

[Pedagog]

I hate to say it but I know of two childminders who do this, in one case the mother is not even working and the chilren are with her all the time. She also charges well over double the local average for care.

[Joannechildmind]

all i can say is i am gobsmaked

[Ripeberry]

I hate to say it but I know of two childminders who do this, in one case the mother is not even working and the chilren are with her all the time. She also charges well over double the local average for care.

All I can say is ....Weird!.....

[Hebs]

not worth the risk

[Mookins]

random...what if you had given up minding and actually worked for HM revenue!!

stupid woman

some people will do anything

xxx

[Bushpig]

It's illegal. Period. Horrific that some think this fraud is okay.

[EllaBella]

i dont understand how it works, but if people are asking you if you want in, then im sure they are making good money out of the system! its benefit fraud

[moljak]

I'm totally shocked that others have heard of it too.where do these people think up such scams.
Shame on those childminders taking part.I hope they get caught out soon!!!!

[flowerpots]

either the childminders or the parents would get caught asa soon as the childminder filled out her tax return wouldnt they?
silly pople !

[karensmart4]

This is so wrong. I really do think there should be a better system in place for Tax Credit payments to Childminders.