Warning from Gov as mum jailed over £34k benefit fraud

Tuesday 06 September 2022

Islanders who realise they have been overpaid benefits are being urged not to keep quiet after a mother was sent to prison after fraudulently claiming around £34,000.

Gemma Louise Carcel (34), who failed to tell the Social Security Department of a change in her circumstances, was sentenced to nine months’ at HMP La Moye in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Assistant Minister for Social Security Deputy Malcolm Ferey, said the case highlights "just how quickly overpayments can accumulate when people who claim benefits deliberately fail to inform Customer and Local Services of their change of circumstances in a timely manner."

Pictured: Deputy Malcolm Ferey, Assistant Minister with responsibility for Social Security.

He continued: "I would urge anyone who realises that they have been overpaid Income Support to contact an adviser and get the correct level of benefit into payment as soon as possible. Leaving it will only make the problem worse, which could ultimately end up with a Court appearance and subsequently a criminal record.

"The chances of being caught for making a fraudulent claim only increase with time and the consequences become more acute."

He also urged any members of the public who believe an individual may be claiming fraudulently to make an anonymous report via the Government's 'Report a Benefit Thief' page, or via the Fraud Hotline on 0800 735 1111.