Benefits cheat caught on camera working as a courier

A benefits cheat who swindled more than £12,000 has been caught on camera working as a courier.

Paul Carter, from Orford in Suffolk, fraudulently claimed thousands of pounds in living allowances and tax credits over a four-and-a-half year period to May 2016.

The 56-year-old has been sentenced to a 12-week community order after admitting two counts of benefit fraud at Warrington Magistrates Court.

He was accused by Government officials of ‘cheating the system and diverting taxpayers’ money from those who really need it’.

The 56-year-old has been sentenced to a 12-week community order after admitting two counts of benefit fraud at Warrington Magistrates Court

Carter’s fraud was uncovered by investigators from the Department for Work and Pensions who filmed him carrying large boxes from his van.

The surveillance footage was captured as part of a joint investigation with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. 

Carter will also be subject to a curfew of 4pm to 4am until Wednesday, April 11.

He was ordered to pay an £85 victim surcharge plus Crown Prosecution Service costs of £85. 

Carter’s fraud was uncovered by investigators from the Department for Work and Pensions who filmed him carrying large boxes from his van. The surveillance footage was captured as part of a joint investigation with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs 

A DWP spokesman said: ‘Only a small minority of benefit claimants are dishonest, but cases like this show how we are rooting out the unscrupulous minority who are cheating the system and diverting taxpayers’ money from those who really need it.

‘We are determined to find those we suspect of abusing the welfare system by following up on tip-offs, undertaking surveillance and working with local councils.

‘If you suspect someone of fraudulently claiming benefits then call our National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440.’