A 45-year-old woman fraudulently claims £28,000 in health benefits while running £60-a-session pole dancing classes

In a striking case of benefits fraud, Angela Elizabeth Clare, 45, was found to have falsely claimed £28,000 in benefits, citing poor physical health, while actively teaching pole dancing classes. Clare’s deceit came to light through videos and social media posts showcasing her performing complex pole dancing moves, including hanging upside down and performing splits.

From 2016 to 2022, Clare received taxpayer money in the form of housing benefits, Personal Independence Payment, and Employment and Support Allowance, all the while concealing her actual physical capabilities and her lucrative side business. The revelation of her £30,000 win in the People’s Postcode Lottery in 2021, which she failed to report to the Torfaen Council and the Department of Work and Pensions, added to the evidence of her fraudulent activities.

Despite claiming she was unable to cook for herself and needed assistance for basic personal care and medication management, Clare was actively engaging in and promoting pole dancing. She charged £60 per session for her classes, significantly profiting from an activity that directly contradicted her claims of disability and need for benefits.

The fraud was further exposed through Clare’s online review of a local pole dance studio, where she praised the “good vibes” and peaceful atmosphere. Additionally, Clare offered yoga sessions and on-call teaching on a freelance basis, further highlighting the discrepancy between her claimed incapacity and her actual physical activity.

Prosecutor Ross McQuillan-Johnson emphasized the stark contrast between Clare’s social media presence and her benefits claims, noting the significant difference between her online activities and her representations to the benefits authorities.

The case of Angela Elizabeth Clare serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges in monitoring and preventing benefits fraud. It underscores the importance of vigilance and thorough investigation in ensuring that taxpayer money is appropriately allocated to those truly in need, rather than being exploited by fraudulent claims