County council officers from the anti-fraud team have helped recover more than £1.25million during the last 12 months.

The statistics were revealed to mark International Fraud Awareness Week, which runs from Monday, November 13 to Saturday, November 19.

Since the Powys County Council anti-fraud team was founded in 2015, it has prevented fraud and errors worth £6,622,956, with £1,257,912 of that being in the last year.

The £6.6million figure includes £2,490,992 in recoverable overpayments and £4,131,964 in fraud and errors which were prevented, allowing this money to be spent instead on providing services for those in genuine need.

International Fraud Awareness Week is organised by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and aims to minimise the impact of fraud by promoting anti-fraud awareness and education.

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Cllr David Thomas, Powys County Council’s cabinet member for finance and corporate transformation, spoke about the importance of the week and the anti-fraud team.

Cllr Thomas said: “The council has signed up as a supporter of International Fraud Awareness Week and is proud of the work of its anti-fraud team over the last seven years, which has helped ensure that more than £6.6million has not been paid out in error or to fraudsters.

“The council is opposed to all forms of fraud and corruption, and is determined to protect against such actions, whether attempted from within the council or by outside individuals, groups or organisations.

“So, if you are aware of anyone committing fraud, please report it. That way we will have more money to spend on services which will benefit everyone in the county.”