A fraudster from Hounslow who used a dead woman’s National Insurance number to claim almost £40,000 in benefits was jailed for nine months.

Benefit cheat Marie Scotts made a number of claims, including housing and council tax, between 2005 and 2011, despite being in several paid jobs which would have affected her eligibility.

The 52-year-old gave different names for different jobs, used a number of bank accounts in her own and her partner’s name, and used the National Insurance number of a women who died in 1987.

She pleaded guilty to six charges and was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court. She has been ordered to repay the £39,955 she falsely claimed.

Councillor Ed Mayne, cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services at the council, said: “These benefits are there to help those who need them the most, so it comes as no surprise that the judge handed down a strong sentence.

“This sends a clear warning to others that dishonestly claiming money you are not entitled to will not go unpunished. I would encourage anyone who suspects people of making false claims to get in touch so we can investigate.”