Viennese is said to have cheated 42,000 euros in social benefits and lived in Jamaica!
Viennese is said to have cheated 42,000 euros in social benefits and lived in Jamaica!
A woman from Vienna is suspected of illegally related to social benefits between July 2018 and January 2024, while at the same time undercut her apartment and was on vacation in Jamaica. These allegations are part of a major problem in Austria, where social service fraud has increased significantly in recent years. According to VOL.AT, the woman is said to have received unemployment benefit, emergency assistance and minimum security in 71 cases, although they lived outside the country for two to three months.
During her absence, she rented out her apartment via online platforms and demanded a deposit of two gross monthly rents from her sub-tenants. In an extreme case, up to 16 sub -tenants lived in the apartment at the same time. The total damage is estimated at around 42,000 euros, an amount that not only outraged the authorities, but also the public.increase in social service fraud in Austria
In recent years, the number of reported fraud cases has increased massively. In 2024, Austria registered a total of 4,865 cases of social service fraud, which means an increase of 9.1 percent compared to the previous year, as https://www.kosmo.at/arbeitslosen-wohnung-und-sonnt-sich-auf-jamaika/). Vienna is the main focus of 2,626 displays. Other federal states such as Styria, Lower Austria and Upper Austria follow with significantly lower numbers.
The increase in fraud cases is explained by the Interior Ministry by growing awareness among the population and closer cooperation between the police, AMS and other authorities. This cooperation has led to uncovering over 25,000 suspect since the founding of the Taskforce social service fraud in 2018
cases and consequences
The Viennese affected is not the only case that has been uncovered. Another incident concerns a Turkish citizen in Vorarlberg, who has been illegally occupied since 2012, while he was also abroad. Here, too, the total damage adds up to a considerable 18,500 euros. These incidents make it clear that social benefits in Austria are not only claimed by the needy, but also by fraudsters who illegally obtain funds.
The Taskforce has so far identified over 50 different fraud modes that are classified in seven main categories. Fraud methods include concealing stays abroad or incorrect information on the residence status. According to the [Federal Criminal Police, fraud is clearly criminalized by incorrect information towards authorities, and the punishments can range from fines to prison terms.
The public is encouraged to report suspicious cases of social service fraud in order to fake the integrity of the system and to fold fraudsters. Contact and further information can be found on the website of the responsible authorities.
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| Ort | Wien, Österreich |
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