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.

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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

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

The letters may appear to be from SSA or SSA OIG, with official letterhead and government jargon. They may also contain misspellings and typos. It is a scam!

Is no reply ssa.gov safe? ›

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 out text messages? ›

We only send text messages if you have opted in to receive texts from us and only in limited situations, including the following: When you have subscribed to receive updates and notifications by text. As part of our enhanced security when accessing your personal my Social Security account.

Does SSA ever contact you by phone? ›

Social Security employees do contact the public by telephone for business purposes. If there is a problem with your Social Security number or record, we will typically mail you a letter. Generally, we will call you if you: Have recently applied for a Social Security benefit.

How to spot fake letters? ›

Below are common warning signs of a mail scam:
  1. A claim that you have been specially selected.
  2. A request that you “confirm your personal information”
  3. A request for payment by means other than credit card – including cash, gift card, wire transfer or private courier.

Why is the Social Security office sending me a letter? ›

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.

How do I know the social security website is legitimate? ›

Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams. SSA. A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website.

How do I check my SSN status? ›

Sign in to your my Social Security account to check your application status. Already have a my Social Security Account? Sign in to your account, scroll down to the “Your Benefit Application” section and select “View Details” to see your application status.

How do I check my Social Security suspicious activity? ›

Create or sign in to your personal my Social Security account to check for any suspicious activity. If you have not yet applied for benefits: You should not find any benefit payment amounts, and you should be able to access your Social Security Statement and view future benefit estimates.

What is the Social Security main phone number? ›

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed? ›

At what age is Social Security no longer taxable? 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.

Where do I report fake Social Security emails? ›

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.

Is this a legitimate number? ›

One way to check if a number is potentially a scam is to use a reverse phone number lookup service. These websites and apps allow you to enter a number and see public information associated with it, such as the registered name, location, and carrier.

Can you put a freeze on your Social Security number? ›

Keep in mind that you're not able to "freeze" your SSN, meaning that it can't be used at all. Locking your SSN won't prevent new credit applications. If you want to safeguard against someone else opening credit in your name, you have the right to freeze your credit report with each credit bureau.

How do you know if Social Security 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).

Is a Social Security verification letter the same as an award letter? ›

What is a Social Security Benefit Verification Letter? 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 of your retirement, disability, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Medicare benefits.

How do I know if a data breach letter is real? ›

Check the Sender's email address.

Real data breach notifications should always come from a company or organization's official email address.

Can you check if a SSN is real? ›

Social Security offers two options to verify Social Security numbers: The Social Security Number Verification Service - This free online service allows registered users to verify that the names and Social Security numbers of hired employees match Social Security's records.

What is a income verification letter from Social Security? ›

Get a benefit letter to show that you receive benefits, have submitted an application, or don't receive benefits. This documentation is often needed for loan applications, housing assistance, and other processes that require verification of your income.

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