William Joseph Evans appears in a lengthy article in Truth (29 May 1921) under the headlines, 'Sweet Swindle/ Impudent Insurance Impostor/ Evans' Easy Way ofEkeing Out an Existence/ How Trusting Folk were Left Lamenting/ Cheeky Crook Caged Comfortably'. Evans operated out of a small office at 95 Elizabeth Street. Claiming to be manager of 'Insurance, Mercantile and Finance Agency Co',he roamed the city and suburbs selling bogus insurance policies. For each policy sold he would request a cash deposit of 3pounds, and would arrange for a medical examination of the insured. Nothing subsequently would be seen of Evans, the doctor or the 3 pounds. Evans cheated private individuals andbusiness people alike, and even sold a bogus policy to the printer who produced his stationery. At the trial Evans's counsel appealed for leniency, pointing out that when arrested, he, his wife and child had been living in penury.He received six months jail.
Titled "Mug shot of William Joseph Evans, 26 May 1921, Central Police Station, Sydney."
Source: Sydney Living Museum (Justice & Police Museum).
