Social Security Takes Fraud Seriously
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: August 19, 2021
One out of five Americans receives benefits from Social Security, including elderly retirees, people with severe illnesses, and widows and children of deceased wage earners.
With so many of our country’s most vulnerable citizens depending on us, we take our responsibility of providing them with a measure of financial security seriously.
One way we do that is by making a priority our many efforts to pursue those who would cheat the system and take money away from those who need it most.
The agency’s benefit programs are far-reaching and complex, which means that preventing, detecting, and combatting fraud, waste, and abuse is an ongoing challenge. Although we can’t prevent every instance of fraud any more than law enforcement can prevent all crimes, we aggressively investigate potential instances of fraud and pursue prosecution of those who commit it.
Our Office of Anti-Fraud Programs (OAFP) uses many tools to help predict where fraud may occur so we can identify it as quickly as possible. OAFP works alongside the Office of the Inspector General, and Disability Determination Services in the Cooperative Disability Investigation (CDI) program. CDI units investigate and resolve questions of fraud in our programs. There are stiff penalties: We seek the maximum punishment allowable under the law to restore money stolen from the American people. As a result, fraud affects only a very small percentage of our overall payments.
You can help protect your investment in Social Security. Take time to learn all the facts on how we work to prevent fraud. Remember, if you suspect fraud, report it or call the fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271.
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Tags: fraud, social security, SSA
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Phil Gambino, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Tyshieka
I’m 18 and I get a ssi check but my mother don’t give me none of the money and she keep lying saying I don’t get one I have a photo of the ssi letter saying I get 733 a month what can I do to get my own check or change my who gets it ?
R.F.
Hi Tyshieka, if you’re having problems with your current payee, you must report it immediately. If necessary, we may help you find a new representative payee for you or pay you directly. If you would like to become your own payee, we generally will need a statement from your doctor. The statement should say that you are now mentally and physically able to take care of yourself and that you are able to keep your finances in order. Please call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives. Or you can contact your local Social Security office. For more information, visit our “FAQs For Beneficiaries Who Have A Payee” web page. Thanks!
Amanda
Is it fraud if someone uses your address and lives somewhere else.
Amanda
And get ssd
R.F.
If you suspect or know of someone committing fraud against Social Security, report it. Reporting is easy, safe and secure. Thanks!
Lisa F.
I got approved fro ssdi just over a year ago. When I got the back pay I set a portion of it aside for specific purpose. My condition can very well kill me. I still have a midget left at home. I gave the understanding to my sons (all three over 21 now) that this specific money was to only be used incase of my death. It was enough for travel expenses toll fees food… there was even a notation on the transfer from my account to my sons… listing specifically it’s use was to have one of them in place here where I live thats1200 from the rest of her immediate family. My daughters name and the reason being the notation my youngest son spent it on his fiancées car repairs. I specified that it had to be paid back in a year …again should be noted in my bank account with that development. Now not only does my youngest ignore my queries he has flat out refused to repay the money and has my eldest son being verbally abusive and has the eldest stating the funds were never for them to come collect their sister in the event of my death…it was for them to spend as they wished and they did and that’s it. I can’t afford to set money aside like that again. I have too many medical bills and a child that needs things like food clothes shelter etc…. may I please inquire of possible options from ssa? Either way thank you for your time.
Keyuna
I have been on SSI for a few months now. I have to pay rent 374 out of the little 759 dollars a month. The issue is that my sister has moved back home with me and my mother for a few months now and hasn’t paid any rent for living there what can I do i don’t think it is fair that I have to give my mother all that money when my sister is living rent free. What should I do
melinda d.
SSA work abused his Fiduciary Duty against a diasbled person FELONY he TOLD ME WAS NOT GOING TO FOLLOW SSA POMS RULES AND DIDN”T. TOOK AWAY $9000 of my backpay and $245 of monthly check stating I received FREE RENT when I HAD IN POSSESSION Bone Fide Loans that required payback and he stated they were not valid loans-sitting before Judges court cases- must be pretty valid loans. Said I received free Rent did not these loans must be paid back-another SSA worker said “Did you list loans on your application when you applied that you had these loans? I said how was I to KNOW that 8 MONTHS LATER I WOULD be in auto accident and not be able to pay my rent 2 years later.– HOW RIDICULOUSLY STUPID IS THAT we must be able to tell the future – when we apply- but they got away with it I have to FIGHT via APPEALS- in the interium I suffer financially, medically and other. Due the SSA workers acting like GOD and NOT FOLLOWING POMS RULES. WRONGFULLY TAKING AWAY MONEY THAT IS RIGHTFULLY YOURS.
Tristan
I called to report fraudulent withdrawals of disability funds from the account of a beneficiary that was on life support at the time of the fraudulent direct express debit card withdrawals.
I was told by ANDREW that they didn’t care, that once they deposit the funds onto the card that their job is don’t and aren’t concerned whether or not the benefits were stolen or used fraudulently.
And here I was under the impression that SSA “takes fraud seriously”.
I’m still shocked.
R.F.
Hi Tristan. Social Security takes reports of fraud very seriously. If you suspect Social Security FRAUD, please report it. The Direct Express card is a prepaid debit card offered to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income check recipients who wish to receive their benefits electronically. For help regarding Direct Express, please contact Direct Express at 1-800-333-1795. Thanks!
Tristan
I don’t “suspect” SS fraud, I KNOW, and I have PROOF of multiple frauds.
I’ve already called SSA and reported it twice and filed online reports, twice.
-I have the 10/6/16 receipt from the bank with the fraudster’s signature thereon for $1,000.
-I have the hospital bill for “life support” “service date 10/06/2016”.
-I have the statement of the bank manager stating that “the beneficiary was not present” when the benefits were withdrawn.
I also have a whole lot more proof-
-Forgery of VA fiduciary’s signature on checks (bank has already CONFIRMED AMD REFUNDED)
-Theft of assets (a/v Recordings, photos, text msg confession)
I could keep going, but it’s useless, no one seems to care.
“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.” -Benjamin Franklin
Jacqueline P.
If someone is using my address to file and collect social security and they do not even live in the country anymore is that considered fraud. If so how do I report them?
Tara T.
So my mother is on disability and when she first got on it I was in high school so I revived benefits, I was aware that she got a lumpsome because she waited some years. But I wasn’t aware that I would get a lumpsome too (twelve thousand to be exact) I didn’t know of this until last year, years later she spent it on my other siblings and my brother in law and I received nothing out of it. She’s now putting me out of the house over not paying her 40 dollars when she askes for it. Is there anything you guys can do about this nonsense she basically stole my money
Jon s.
Ok someone tell me what to do..I no someone that is living with someone that’s get social benefits an possible foodstamps and a,medical card to..the person they had moved in is working full time an paying them 400 amonth but they don’t want this person to use Thier address.
R.F.
Hi Jon. If you suspect or know of someone committing fraud against Social Security, report it.
Judy T.
I have Power of Attorney over my ex husband.
He is terminally ill.
My other ex husband contacted the local Social Security office and informed them that I had remarried my ex husband whom I have Power of Attorney over.
He did this to hurt us and cost my ex his Social Security disability.
What is my recourse on this? My ex who I have Power of Attorney over is in jeopardy of having his disability cut off.
He literally has nothing else.
What are my options?
R.F.
Hi Judy. We are sorry to hear of the inconveniences you and your ex-spouse are experiencing at this time. Please note that having a power of attorney, does not give you legal authority to make changes or manage payments for someone receiving Social Security benefits. You must apply for and be appointed as a representative payee by SSA. A face-to- face interview is required, please contact the local Social Security office. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives. Thanks.