Fraud Prevention and Reporting | SSA (2024)

We take fraud seriously and so should you

Social Security Combats Fraud

Social Security has zero tolerance for fraud. We diligently work at the national, regional, and local levels to combat fraud that undermines our mission to serve the American public.

To meet this challenge, we work closely with our Office of the Inspector General (OIG), which investigates allegations of fraud and seeks to bring offenders to justice. The OIG refers cases to U.S. attorneys within the Department of Justice, and other state and local prosecuting authorities, for prosecution as federal crimes.

Fraud Prevention and Reporting | SSA (1)

What Is Social Security Fraud?

Fraud involves obtaining something of value through willful misrepresentation. In the context of our programs, fraud exists when a person fails to disclose a material fact for use in getting benefits and payments. Information is “material” when it could influence our determination on entitlement or eligibility to benefits under the Social Security Act.

Examples of fraud include:

  • Making false statements on claims.
  • Concealing facts or events that affect eligibility for benefits.
  • Misusing benefits (by a representative payee).
  • Failing to notify the agency of the death of a beneficiary and continuing to receive the deceased person’s benefits.
  • Buying or selling Social Security cards.
  • Filing claims under another person’s Social Security number (SSN).
  • Scamming people by impersonating our employees.
  • Bribing our employees.
  • Misusing grant or contract funds.

How To Report Fraud

Do you suspect someone of committing fraud, waste, or abuse against Social Security? You can submit a report online at oig.ssa.gov or contact the OIG’s fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271.

The OIG will carefully review your allegation and take appropriate action. However, they cannot provide information regarding the actions taken on any reported allegation. Federal regulations prohibit the disclosure of information contained in law enforcement records, even to the person making the allegation.

To learn more about reporting fraud, visit the OIG’s Resources for Other Types of Fraud page. You will find information about misuse of SSNs, elder abuse, Direct Express accounts, fraud, and more. Also, watch their video “How to Report Social Security Fraud” for more details about the fraud referral process.

Fraud Prevention and Reporting | SSA (2)

Scammers Commit Fraud

Be alert! It is important to be aware of scammers pretending to be from Social Security. Reports about fraudulent phone calls from people claiming to be from our agency continue to increase. To learn more about scams, visit Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams.

Measures You Can Take To Prevent Identity Theft

Identity theft happens when a person illegally uses your personal information to commit fraud. Someone illegally using your SSN and assuming your identity can cause a lot of problems.

There are several things you should do to prevent identity theft:

  • Do not routinely carry your SSN.
  • Never say your SSN aloud in public.
  • Beware of phishing scams (emails, internet links, and phone calls) trying to trick you into revealing personal information.
  • Create a personal my Social Security account to help you keep track of your records and identify any suspicious activity.
  • Consider adding these blocks to your account with us:
    • The eServices block — This prevents anyone, including you, from seeing or changing your personal information online. Once we add the block, you or your representative will need to contact your local office to request its removal.
    • The Direct Deposit Fraud Prevention block — This prevents anyone, including you, from enrolling in direct deposit or changing your address or direct deposit information through my Social Security or a financial institution (via auto-enrollment). Once we add the block, you or your representative will need to contact your local office to request its removal. You will need to do the same to make any future changes to direct deposit or contact information.

Fraud Prevention and Reporting | SSA (4)

What To Do If You Suspect Identity Theft

The OIG provides 10 tips on Protecting Personal Information and details several actions to take if you suspect identity theft.

If someone uses your SSN to obtain credit, loans, telephone accounts, or other goods and services, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC collects complaints about identity theft from those whose identities have been stolen. You may reach the FTC’s identity theft hotline toll free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or visit their website at www.ftc.gov/idtheft.

Additional Resources:

Fraud Prevention and Reporting | SSA (2024)

FAQs

Why am I getting a letter from the Social Security Administration? ›

A notice will be sent if your benefit amount or eligibility changes and/or terminates. For example, if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and changes in your living arrangement, other income, or resources affect your benefit amount, you will receive a notice each time your benefit amount changes.

Are there fake letters from Social Security? ›

It is a scam! Phone scammers may send official-looking letters or reports by U.S. mail, email, text, or social media message to convince you they are legitimate. The letters may appear to be from SSA or SSA OIG, with official letterhead and government jargon.

Is no reply SSA legit? ›

Currently, Social Security sends emails from no-reply@ssa.gov, subscription.service@subscriptions.ssa.gov, ThankYou@ssa.gov, DoNotReply@ssa.gov, and echosign.com. In a few instances, we use marketing firms to raise awareness of Social Security's online services, and this includes creating a my Social Security account.

Does Social Security send emails about your statement? ›

We also send informational emails about our online services. Also, if you have a personal my Social Security account, we send an email once a year, approximately 3 months before your birthday. This is to remind you to review your Social Security Statement online.

How do you know if SSI is investigating you? ›

For SSDI, the process is called Continuing Disability Review (CDR). While SSI recipients are subjected to SSI Redetermination. For these law-mandated periodic reviews, the SSA will notify you by mail. If you are subjected to CDR, the SSA will send you a Continuing Disability Review Report (SSA Form 454).

How often does SSI check your bank accounts? ›

That being said, how frequently does the Social Security Administration check your bank account? While the number of times SSI checks your bank account is not standardized, it may be anywhere from a single year to six years. The SSI can also check when you go through life-altering experiences.

How do I check to see if someone is using my social security number? ›

Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1-800-908-4490 or visit them online, if you believe someone is using your SSN to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes. Order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).

What does a verification letter from Social Security mean? ›

The benefit verification letter, sometimes called a "budget letter," a "benefits letter," a "proof of income letter," or a "proof of award letter,” serves as proof that you either: Get Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Medicare. Have never received benefits or SSI.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus? ›

ssa.gov $16728 Social Security Bonus 2024

The annual SSA Bonus is given on the yearly basis to the citizens. The $16728 Social Security Bonus 2024 news has been much in talk but there is no reality in this fact. The annual bonus is in the form of the tax returns which are paid during the year.

What questions does Social Security ask to verify identity over the phone? ›

If you call the Social Security hotline number, you will be required to provide specific identity particulars, depending on the type of service being sought. You may be required to input information from your identity documents such as your US passport or US driving license to verify your identity.

Does the Social Security Administration ever call you directly? ›

Generally, we will call you if you: Have recently applied for a Social Security benefit. Are currently receiving payments and need to update your record. Have specifically requested a phone call from us.

Why did I receive extra money from Social Security this month? ›

It's all because of a quirk in the Social Security Administration's payment schedule. A few times a year, two Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks will go out in a month instead of the usual one. May happens to be the first of three double-payment months of 2024.

How do I know if a letter from Social Security is legitimate? ›

If you receive a letter from Social Security and are not sure if it is real or not, you can verify it by calling 1-800-772-1213. SSA also encourages people to set up an account at My Social Security to be able to check notices and your benefits at any time.

Is the government sending out Social Security statements? ›

It is useful for people of all ages who want to learn about their future Social Security benefits and current earnings history. For workers age 60 and older who do not have a my Social Security account, we currently mail Social Security Statements three months prior to your birthday.

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed? ›

Social Security tax FAQs

Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.

What does the letter on my Social Security mean? ›

The letters at the end of a SSN indicate the claim number for a SSI or Social Security beneficiary. Per the SSA: "If you are an SSI beneficiary, your claim number is your nine-digit Social Security Number (SSN) (000-00-0000) followed by two letters such as EI, DI, DS, DC.

What does a Social Security award letter mean? ›

A Social Security award letter is the document used to notify you that your application for Social Security benefits has been approved and you will receive payments.

What are the signs you won your SSDI hearing? ›

But there are telltale signs that may show your disability hearing went well. For instance, short testimonies and hearings are signs you won your hearing, or the judge will award you disability benefits. The hearing office often schedules disability hearings in 45 and 60-minute increments.

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