Incredible benefit fraudsters

Benefit fraud is a serious problem in the UK, and one that not only costs the taxpayer money, but also exhausts already stretched resources to their limits. Aside from the monetary loss, there is also a question of morals. Saying that, many people find themselves suddenly tangling with the authorities, having had no idea they were doing any wrong. There are a number of grey areas, crossover points, and pitfalls, not to mention that the stresses of life can cause people to simply make a mistake. Here are two recent examples of benefit fraudsters who definitely knew they were doing wrong…

A former Mr Universe competitor from Stoke-on-Trent has been jailed for one year for fraudulently claiming disability benefits. For eight years, the former competitive bodybuilder claimed over £46,000 in handouts, under the guise that he was barely mobile, requiring a wheelchair at times, just to go about his daily life. Investigators from the Department of Work and Pensions smelt a rat, and decided to look into the case. It didn’t take long before they were in possession of particularly damning evidence, in the form of video footage showing the man not only able to move, but happily and vigorously pumping iron in the gym. An open and shut case saw the man admit to five counts relating to benefit fraud.

A woman from London went further still, claiming £375,000 over a period of more than a decade, by fraudulently claiming that two of her children were seriously ill. The children even underwent totally unnecessary surgery, just to maintain the guise. Doctors and prosecutors were totally taken aback by the case, which led to the woman being sentenced to seven and a half years for her crimes.

These are special cases indeed, but if you find yourself under the spotlight for whatever reason, don’t hesitate to contact our team of highly trained benefit fraud solicitors for help and advice.