THREE benefit fraudsters have copped unwelcome seasonal bills after failing to tell East Herts Council about their change in circumstances.
Hertford Magistrates' Court heard that Stephanie Clarke, 28, of King George Road, Ware, was overpaid housing benefit amounting to £2,122.67 and council tax benefit of £594.70 between mid November last year and early June.
Magistrates gave Clarke a six month conditional discharge and ordered her to pay £150 towards prosecution costs.
Jacqueline Price, 49, of Cappell Lane, Stanstead Abbotts failed to tell the council she was working in a pub. She was overpaid housing benefit of £626.97 from late October 2007 to the start of November last year. She was given a six month conditional discharge by magistrates.
Clare Mallia, 32, previously of Heathgate, Hertford Heath, and now living in Hoddesdon, claimed housing benefit for both addresses from the end of November last year to the end of March.
She was overpaid housing benefit of £3,619.74. Magistrates gave her a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered her to pay £250 towards prosecution costs.
All three also have to pay back the benefits money to which they weren't entitled.
"The last thing anyone wants at this time of year is an unexpected bill that could run into thousands," said Councillor Bob Parker, East Herts Council's Executive member for housing and health. "But that's what will happen to people who make fraudulent claims and get benefits they're not entitled to.
"So make sure you're honest with the council because we won't hesitate to prosecute. At the same time we are here to help if you have questions about what you are entitled to.
Share or bookmark this with...
Facebook 
Fark 
del.icio.us 
Digg 
Reddit 
StumbleUpon 
Furl