A fraudster Uber driver failed to reveal he was a taxi driver when he claimed benefits.

Murat Coker, from The Turnstones, in Watford, has been ordered to pay £619 for falsely claiming benefits.

He didn’t tell Watford Borough Council that he had a Transport for London taxi licence and had been an Uber driver since 2015.

Fraud investigators from the council made checks through the National Fraud Initiative after they discovered Coker had not been honest in his application.

On May 11 last year, Coker was interviewed under caution where he admitted to falsely claiming £2,355 in benefits. He pleaded guilty to one charge under the Fraud Act 2006 at St Albans Magistrates Court.

He received a financial penalty of £335, as well as costs of £284 for prosecution and victim surcharge. Arrangements are being made to pay the benefits back.

Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford, said: “Our consistent success in prosecuting benefit fraud sends a clear message that it will not be tolerated. It is a great example of how we ensure money is not taken illegally out of the public purse.”

If you suspect that someone is committing fraud, please report this to the Fraud team by emailing fraud@watford.gov.uk or calling 0800 458 9200.