Social fraud is exploding in Vienna: record numbers alarm investigators!

Social fraud is exploding in Vienna: record numbers alarm investigators!

A worrying trend is emerging in Vienna: fraud with social benefits has reached a new record. In 2024, 2,626 reports of suspected social benefit fraud were registered in the capital, which corresponds to more than half of all cases in Austria. In a year in which intensive controls were increased, the fight against this control offense appears to be more effective than ever. The investigators speak of an almost 100 percent clearance rate, which was achieved through targeted tests and increased controls. This information is provided by oe24 confirmed.

The fraud cases concern various social benefits, including unemployment benefits, minimum income, basic benefits and family allowances. False documents are particularly often used, and it is reported that many fraudsters hide their stays abroad. For example, one person applied for child benefit for five children even though only two real birth certificates were provided.

Increase in international fraud cases

A significant proportion of the suspected people come from countries such as Türkiye, the Western Balkans and, increasingly, Ukraine. Investigators report that up to 30 suspicious cases were uncovered during controlled flights. One striking case concerns a 65-year-old woman with Iranian nationality who incorrectly received minimum income while living in Iran. The financial damage she caused amounted to around 20,000 euros and the court sentenced her to ten months of conditional imprisonment.

The Vienna FPÖ has sharply criticized the increase in fraud cases and is demanding immediate consequences from politicians. Social spokesman Wolfgang Seidl emphasizes that social benefits should only be available to Austrian citizens. Convicted fraudsters must have their right to repayment enforced and face deportation and a lifelong withdrawal of benefits.

Social Security Fraud Task Force

The Social Benefit Fraud Taskforce (SOLBE), which was launched in 2018, plays a key role in the fight against social benefit fraud. According to a report by the Federal Ministry of the Interior A total of 4,346 suspected cases were processed in 2021. This represents an increase of 13.8% compared to the previous year. In these cases, investigators identified a total of 4,730 suspects, of which around 70.7% are of foreign origin.

The total damage caused by unlawfully received social benefits amounted to around 19.3 million euros in 2021. The most common types of fraud include undeclared work while unemployed, receiving minimum income despite having sufficient assets and unreported trips abroad. In addition, the exchange of information between different ministries is crucial to effectively curb abuse.