Police: Woman faked blindness for benefits

TURIN, Italy, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Italian police said a woman who collected $309,000 in benefits by claiming to be blind was busted when she was seen window shopping.

Investigators said the 66-year-old woman was photographed walking through markets in a town near Turin while crossing streets and window browsing without assistance, ANSA reported Friday.

Police said the woman, who claimed to be totally blind to collect benefits, also signed a receipt without even putting on glasses.

Police said they sequestered the money in the woman's bank account and six properties belonging to her to ensure the government is reimbursed for the fraudulent benefits.