So here's the story: in recent weeks a relatively new neighbor has reached out and gotten to know the neighborhood and his neighbors better. This has been met with mixed results. Now he apparently hasn't told everyone these things but he's bragged to several people, myself included, about committing welfare fraud.
He boasts about collecting a disability check yet works off the books as a laborer/contractor. He also has another part time, under the table gig. In addition he receivers SNAP benefits (food stamps) and just today informed me that he has been approved for subsidized housing, meaning he'll only need to pay roughly $180 a month to rent his house; the State will be covering the rest.
Now, I was raised to mind my own business and I stick to that. Lord knows I've seen the disastrous results of not doing so. On the other hand there's a part of me that's incredibly pissed off. I'm a social worker by trade and this guy is precisely what is wrong with the system. People like this have a lot to do with the general publics attitude, perception, and frustrations with the system. It also drives me crazy on a personal level. My wife and I put ourselves through college and will be paying for it until we're in our 50s. We, like so many others, do things the right way, work hard and strive for everything we have. And while there is pride in that it still drives me nuts to see this guy just take and take and take.
A few of my neighbors have approached me, stating they wanted to report him and asking my advice on how to do so because of my knowledge of the system. I flat out told them no and that I wanted no part of it but I'd be lying if I said part of me didn't want to.
Just curious to see what people here think, I have a feeling this can be a good discussion if people can stay away from politics.
Thoughts?
i don't know which is the right thing for you. but you do.
Whichever way you go, best of luck to you.
Obviously, if you could do something about this guy's fraud, then the most likely reason you wouldn't would be the open knowledge of being "that guy." Is that a practical concern? If not, then I see nothing wrong with taking steps to report to whatever authority would care. It doesn't sound like you have much in the way of proof, other than the guy's bragging - but that isn't really your problem.
^^
this
Scum! Scum! Scum! Go back to where ya from!
Seriously
What ever makes you sleep at night. You know how to make sure your name is not involved. Guy sounds like a dirtbag. He's bragging like wants to get caught.
What would you do if he told you he was robbing a bank once a month to make ends meet?
Personally I'd have absolutely no qualms about dropping a dime on this asswipe simply for being a blithering idiot.
LOL
If you feel that this is a serious breaking of the law, and it bugs you, you should report it, especially if you can do it anonymously.
What was your reaction when he told you? With strangers, I typically have smaller muscles than behind a keyboard (being 5'2, and 140 lbs tends to turn one into a keep your mouth shut kind of guy), but the more I know a person, the more likely I am to speak my mind.
If he's bragging he won't know who did it, even if he thinks it is you; deny and poopoo it off.
If he's doing it to pull your chain, UI will just let it go.
You can make the call anonymous in most states.
By the way, UI is a federal program, therefore federal crime.
If a SSI collection he can make a certain $$$ each month working, weird as that is; if its a TDI, that's a different matter.
Who gives a shit.. he is a shit stain.. and they would still collect similar benefits if he was outed and placed in jail...
This. Nail the motherfucker.
And he made it others' business by bragging publicly...I don't get to both brag about something illegal I do then say it's not your business. If it wasn't your business I should stfu.
Asshole
If you are certain that he's ripping off taxpayers, contact a co-worker and have him/her look into it. Stay clear yourself.
Sounds like the guy's an asshole either way, IMO.
Just ask yourself this...
Where do you draw the line as to what crime you would report? This is a felony isn't it?
That seems to be the NEW AMerican Dream, by scamming the system
So, yeah, rat him out. Plus, you might get some sort of bounty payment, so win win.
Report him, just make sure it doesn't get back to you.
Obviously, if you could do something about this guy's fraud, then the most likely reason you wouldn't would be the open knowledge of being "that guy." Is that a practical concern? If not, then I see nothing wrong with taking steps to report to whatever authority would care. It doesn't sound like you have much in the way of proof, other than the guy's bragging - but that isn't really your problem.
First off I have absolutely no concerns about being "that guy". If i do something it's because I think it's the right thing to do, and its a situation where I don't particularly concern myself with others opinions.
Second, you could've asked if I have proof before assuming I didn't. Several neighbors see him get picked up in a work van daily at 9. I've seen him get dropped off by said van on multiple occasions. And I don't know anyone who would brag about padding their income with a part time job.
The fraud he's commiting is a felony. If someone reports him he could do up to 3 years in prison and would probably be ordered to pay restitution on the fraudulently received disability checks and would be barred from most welfare programs.
If he has kids/family I might feel a little bad about it, but assuming he's able bodied and fan do construction then he should be able to find a way
Nope, single guy in his late 40s Marty. Collecting a full time check, part time check, disability check, food stamps, and soon Uncle Sam will be paying about 75% of his rent.
Must be nice