A government benefits hotline adviser is facing jail after scamming tens of thousands of pounds in benefits herself.
Avril Murray, who was employed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in their Dundee call centre, claimed to benefits bosses she was a single mum.
In reality Murray was living with her husband who had a full-time job meaning she fraudulently raked in £33,000.
Depute fiscal Vicky Bell told Dundee Sheriff Court: “She was employed by the DWP in their Dundee contact centre until September 11 last year.
“She then resigned ahead of an interview under caution the following day.
“During the time she worked there, 10 years, she claimed working and single tax credits, and over a six-year period claimed housing benefit, council tax benefit and single person’s discount on her council tax.
“A total of £ 33,000 was fraudulently claimed over the period £28,000 in tax credits and £5,000 in housing and council tax benefit. She didn’t declare she was living with her husband who was in full-time employment.
“This was exacerbated by the fact she was employed by the DWP.”
First offender Murray, 50, of Pitkerro Road, Dundee, pleaded guilty to charges under the Tax Credits Act and the Social Security Administration Act.
Sheriff George Way deferred sentence until next month for social work background reports and released Murray on bail meantime.