Credit hire scammer given prison term

A Manchester man has been sentenced to an eight month prison term following a credit hire scam.

The landmark case – believed to be the first of its kind by law firm Weightmans – heard how the Manchester man claimed to have been involved in an accident with a national courier in August 2014. He subsequently made a series of false and costly insurance claims for hire cars, vehicle damage and legal costs worth £100,000. He claimed his vehicle was written off.

Following an investigation, it was revealed that the scammers Audi Q7 was, in fact, repaired and re-insured on a date after he argued it had been sold. In addition, it transpired that Vernon had no need for hire cars, as he had a vehicle in his possession that even had his own private number plate. As a result, the courier involved in the alleged accident brought contempt proceedings against him.

At a hearing, which took place 5 February 2018, the judge sentenced the fraudster to eight months in prison.

According to law firm Weightmans, which represented the courier, this is the first time its team has come across a contempt case relating to credit hire fraud that has been heard in the High Court.

Weightmans associate, Jeff Turton said, ‘The sentence also encourages anybody who is offered a credit hire vehicle after a road traffic accident to really think about what they are signing up for.

‘These vehicles are not courtesy vehicles and it is vital that a claimant is sure they actually need that vehicle before entering a credit hire agreement.’