Title: My Friend Took Advantage of Me: How I Discovered My Friend Was a Benefits Fraud
One woman feels that her kindness has been taken for granted after offering her friend free childcare – only to discover that she is a benefits fraud.
Heartbreakingly, the woman has only come to this realization after years of supporting her friend.
Supporting a Friend in Need
Recalling the moment the penny dropped on Mumsnet, she revealed that she’d initially wanted to help her friend after she fell on hard times.
Offering Free Childcare
Posting in the ‘Am I being unreasonable’ thread, she told others: “One of my close friend’s husband left her when she was pregnant for another woman.
Draining Emotionally and Financially
Wanting to help her friend in any way she could, the Mumsnet user would go to the house every day and take care of the newborn – while her friend cried.
Signs of Trouble
As the years went by though, this continued she became more and more drained – especially as the main topic of conversation would be the other woman.
Financial Deception Unveiled
Though her friend would eventually meet someone new, this only increased the tension between the two women.
Not only is the Mumsnet user still caring for the child but her friend is now allegedly earning £400 from a cleaning job because of the additional childcare.
Feelings of Betrayal
“I feel used and like I’ve lost my friend who I’ve put so much effort into helping emotionally and at times financially.
Realizing the Truth
Meanwhile, her friend’s new partner earns £70k from his job, has a property that he rents out, and reportedly makes an extra £30k selling illegal streaming devices.
Advice from Others
Unsurprisingly, many in the group have urged the poster to walk away from the friendship.
Facing the Consequences
“It’s not unusual for people to do that when in a new relationship…it sucks [but] stop doing her favors.
Seeking Support
“That’s what happens when you become someone’s doormat, they wipe their feet on you… Drop her and move on.”
Conclusion
Mulling over the situation, we wonder how we would have acted in this scenario.
How to Check Your Benefits Entitlement
The quickest way to see what benefits you may be able to claim is to use one of the three benefit calculators recommended by Gov.uk.
Before using the tools, make sure you have key financial information to hand, such as bank and savings statements, and information on pensions and existing benefits.