Disability, Frauds & Scams, General, Retirement, Survivors

Social Security Takes Fraud Seriously

June 15, 2015 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: August 19, 2021

An identity thief holds a Social Security card in front of a keyboardOne 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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About the Author

Phil Gambino, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Comments

  1. rommy c.

    The court has ordered my ex to contact the Social Security Administration and give access to me of his earnings records. What does my ex need to do now to start this process?

    • R.F.

      Thank you for your question, Rommy. The procedure to follow when handling a court order depends on what type of information is requested. Generally, these cases are handled in person at the local Social Security office.
      We hope this helps!

  2. Marina H.

    no alex jonesgsm tracking is done from the towers and is much more accurate than gpsgps is receive only, your tin foil hat won’t help you

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  3. Tywuan L.

    Hey my name tywuan cooper and I was wondering,if I was 15-16 & someone from my family stole my house and the retirement money now that I’m 23 and understand more could something be done.

  4. Joel

    I think someone is drawing ssi off my social number I had got a tip from someone I really need someone to check into it I’m not disable i work have a job

  5. HERMAN

    THE SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUNDS HAVE BEEN STOLEN FOR DECADES BY THE CORRUPT POLITICIANS ,EVERY ELECTION YEAR AT BUDGET TIME THEY TELL THE AMERICAN WORKERS THAT THE FUNDS WILL RUN OUT IN X NUMBER OF YEARS ,BUT THAT DOES NOT STOP THESE CORRUPT POLITICIANS FROM STEALING FROM THE FUNDS . THE SSI FUND WAS STARTED TO PROVIDE A SAFETY NET AND AS A SUPPLIMENT FOR THE RETIREMENT OF EVERY AMERICAN WORKING MAN AND WOMAN.THE FUND WAS NOT SET UP FOR THE WASTEFUL SPENDING OF THESE CORRUPT POLITICIANS ..MILLION LOW INCOME SENIORS DEPEND ON THE SSI ,WHILE THE POLITICIANS ARE STEALING FROM THE FUND..IF THESE CROOKS STOP STEALING FROM THE FUNDS THE SSI WOULD BE SOLVENT FOR FUTURE AMERICAN RETIRING MEN AND WOMEN.IT IS TIME THAT CONGRESS START REPLACING THE FUNDS THEY HAVE STOLEN ,STARTING BY ELIMINATING ALL THE TAX PAYER FUNDED PERKS THEY HAVE GIVEN THEMSELVES.

  6. Tyson D.

    My name is Tyson Anderson I am SMI. I am on huge amounts of meds for schizophrenia. I sleep a lot and am or was receiving funds for one month then got locked up. The first funds I had where spent on paying the full $1800.00 I owed back rent and up coming rent then 200.00 for four months of phone bills on my payees plan. Then I had to buy all my clothing shoes and hygiene and pay the little I owed that was lent for pre spent living expenses. Then on November 13th I went to jail. My payee had already spent all I had received for ssi that month with back pay and all and did not report I got locked dy mistake. But my check for December never came. So he truly thought he had nothing to report. Well now I am out still SMI and in need of the the funds. My jail stay is over. So why are my checks stopped? No wrong doing is on my part or my payee Rick Anderson. I need the funds to continue pay my 50.00 dollar phone bill and 450.00 dollars rent each month plus living expenses. Please help me keep receiving this. I am using every will in me to trust to write this even when paranoid and scared over everything. My minds always everywhere. Please if u can either contact me at 520 233 8651 names Tyson Anderson or my dad who’s my renter and payee. Names rick Anderson numbers 805 890 1719. Please don’t let me spiroil out of control down a path of no return. Also u can contact my lawyer or mental health staff at la frontara comundad on Jefferson in phoenix. Gods gave me great power to see through the phone so I know u seek to see me with the all seeking eye but I know that I am in the right and these checks should come on schedule. Its of pain that patient zero had to use the wire

  7. George M.

    Mom received checks, took my money, and kicked me out.

  8. George M.

    My mom received funds fraudulently on my behalf.

  9. George M.

    Mom received checks, took my money, and kicked me out.

  10. George B.

    I have my social security blocked because of a compromised social security number. ( I was phisched)
    Will this effect my monthly social security payments. If so how do I unblock it?

    • R.F.

      Thank you for your question, George. Your payments should not be affected. See more at “Block Access To Your Record“. Thanks!

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