Single mother’s benefit fraud evidenced through Facebook

A mother-of–five’s benefit fraud, totalling around £56,000, has been unveiled through her social media page.

Helen Habblett from Dundee had held herself out to have been living as a single mother, after separation from her husband in 2009. However, her Facebook page, bank statements and surveillance revealed a very different story. Dundee Sheriff Court heard that the couple had reunited in 2010, and her husband was in full-time employment after an investigation into her claims.

The fraud was evidenced by insurance applications, bank records, covert surveillance and social media profiles which demonstrated the couple were living together. Social media evidence being used in court is becoming increasingly common, particularly in cases of fraud. Habblett fraudulently claimed £48,792.75 in tax credits and £7,603.50 by telling HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions that she was a single mother.

Depute Fiscal in the case, Eilidh Robertson, gave a timeline of Habblett’s fraud, detailing that Habblett claimed working tax credits and child tax credits in 2003 and again in 2009. In 2009, Habblett informed the relevant bodies that she had separated from her husband, and was now living only with her children. Robertson stated that Habblett then confirmed that there had been no change in her circumstances in 2011 and 2013. However, confidential information was then received which prompted an investigation into Habblett’s case. Robertson described how interviews with Habblett’s neighbours and covert surveillance carried out were indicators that they were again living together.

Habblett was charged with offences under the Tax Credits Act and Social Security Administration Act, and pleaded guilty to charges committed between September 2010 and July 2014. Sentencing has been deferred until October in order for the court to obtain social work background reports. Habblett has been released on bail until then.

If you require advice or assistance with a benefit fraud case, contact our specialist benefit fraud solicitors today.