Investigators have uncovered benefit fraud totalling more than £250,000 in Dundee in six months.
New figures have revealed that Dundee City Council’s counter-fraud section completed 173 inquiries between April and September.
In 75 cases benefit payments were either stopped or reduced because claimants had deliberately or mistakenly received money to which they were not entitled.
The team found £257,873 had been overpaid due to fraud and another £192,133 through errors by claimants a total of £450,006.
People who are reckoned to have broken the law can be referred to the procurator fiscal for prosecution.
Council finance director Marjory Stewart said: ”There has been an increase in the number of successful prosecutions in court 10 guilty verdicts have been reached in comparison to seven in the previous year.”
However, it can take some time for cases to work their way through they criminal justice system.
Ms Stewart said: ”The increase in cases referred to the procurator fiscal at the end of the last financial year has resulted in the increase in guilty verdicts.”
Since April staff turnover in the counter-fraud section has led to a reduction in the number of referrals.
Other available actions, such as administrative penalties and cautions, have maintained their previous levels.
Council policy states: ”The council will seek repayment of all incurred housing benefit or council tax benefit overpayments which have arisen as a result of fraudulent activity.
”Where an individual has committed a benefit fraud offence, Dundee City Council will actively seek to recover the overpayment in full, taking all legal steps available.”
During the first half of 2011/12 some 58% of benefit fraud overpayments were recovered in full and in another 16% of cases arrangements were put in place to have the money paid back.
Recovery was still under way in 13% of cases and 11% had to be written off.
Finance spokesman Willie Sawers said: ”Dundee City Council takes the issue of benefit fraud very seriously and will pursue repayment in cases where fraud has been uncovered.
”Our staff carry out a difficult job and are to be congratulated on the work they perform.”
The figures show that 627 people were referred to the counter-fraud team over the six months because of a suspicion that benefit payments may not be correct.
Some 236 of these cases resulted from contacts by members of the public.
Suspected cheats can be reported by phoning 0800 085 2289.