"A special needs teacher has spent almost a year trying to clear his name after a fraudulent universal credit claim was made using his identity, which has left him on the hook for hundreds of pounds in repayments. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has refused to acknowledge the fraud, even though Michael Bene has supplied evidence he was in the Scottish Highlands when the claimant attended a face-to-face verification interview in Cheshire."
"Bene, 51, who lives in Birmingham, said the situation has just turned my life into hell on Earth as he has been forced to spend dozens of hours trying to prove his innocence, while making repayments towards the 763 advance paid out on the claim made in his name. Bene, who has never claimed universal credit, said he first discovered the fraud almost a year ago, in October 2024, when he spotted a deduction on his wage slip."
"He later found out that three claims had been made in his name over a six-week period in 2023; in West Surrey, Birmingham and Crewe. One of the fraudulent claims, made in Crewe, was successful, and with Bene now liable for repayments, he has sent more than 80 emails and made more than 150 phone calls trying to resolve the situation. He reported the issue straight away."
Michael Bene, a 51-year-old special needs teacher from Birmingham, has spent almost a year trying to clear his name after fraudulent Universal Credit claims were submitted using his identity. Three claims were made in 2023 across West Surrey, Birmingham and Crewe; one in Crewe succeeded and triggered a £763 advance that Bene is being asked to repay. Bene discovered a wage deduction in October 2024, reported the fraud immediately, and has supplied evidence placing him in the Scottish Highlands during a face-to-face verification in Crewe. The DWP has refused to acknowledge the fraud despite his documentation; he has made over 150 calls and sent more than 80 emails and involved his MP.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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