A Hounslow woman has been fined £2,000 for buying a new home while claiming £7,600 in false housing benefits after being shopped by an anonymous informant.
Susan Kaur Sarai, 37, of Garrison Close, Hounslow, pleaded guilty to committing housing benefit fraud at Brentford Magistrates Court after the Hounslow Council fraud team were tipped off by an anonymous informant who claimed she owned a property in another borough.
An investigation revealed the 37-year-old had bought a house in Hounslow and was the joint owner of a property in the Midlands. Further financial checks showed she had a joint mortgage, joint loans, joint accounts, and was making monthly repayments of more than £900.
Cllr Gerald McGregor, lead member for finance at the council, said: "Clearly this woman knew exactly that what she was doing was wrong. She was lining her own pockets with money meant for those who genuinely need support."
Sarai was charged with an offence under Section 112 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 and was sentenced to a £2,000 fine, has to pay £500 in court costs and will also have to repay the £7,662.75 benefit she claimed falsely.
To confidentially report benefit fraud, contact the council fraud team on 020 8583 2111 or email fraud@hounslow.gov.uk
