Another fraudster brought to justice
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
30/01/2008
'Benefit fraudsters will be caught' is the message from Hammersmith and Fulham after a man was found guilty of dishonestly claiming over £25,000 in housing benefit and council tax benefit.
John Wilson, 61, of Oakbury Road, SW6 was in receipt of the benefits from March 2001. However, investigations from the council's Corporate Anti Fraud Department discovered that he had two undeclared bank accounts and savings of around £100,000. This meant that Wilson was overpaid £20,364 in housing benefit and £5,499 in council tax benefit.
Cllr Greg Smith, Cabinet Member for Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour, said: "When will people learn that benefit fraud does not pay? If you decide to fraud the council you will get caught and punished. The overwhelming majority of people in this borough abide by the rules but as always a minority think that they are above the law. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards benefit fraud and will continue to clamp down on those who think it is acceptable."
Wilson pleaded guilty at court and is due to be sentenced on 18 February.
-ENDS-
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