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

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Comments

  1. Ron

    We are receiving phone calls from 909-962-1615
    Saying there has been fraud on our social security number and we will be arrested if we don’t contact this number back
    We’re not dumb enough to reply but how about going after these people and stop them!!

    • Nicholle

      I am as well not to get arrested but fraud try’s to obtain ssdi
      I have it already
      It’s actually escalated to Transunion contacting about medical fraud
      Can’t find anything though expect my credit dropped 127 points in 2 months
      The cyber issues are horrible Best to do what you can in protecting and even disputing
      I do keep getting a generic warrant in another state message

  2. Zachary T.

    My girlfriend’s grandmother used my girlfriends entire (and final) SS check (my GF was graduating and almost 18) in March of 2016. $2,400 check that the grandmother actually wired to one of her “foreign boyfriends Soon after depositing the $2,400 check into her own personal bank account. Just like she had been for every other check of my GF’s.
    My GF was adopted by the grandma & lived under the grandmother’s roof, but was also kicked out before turning 18.

    Was this a fraudulent act?
    All my gf did was sign the check, then the grandma took it and my gf NEVER saw a cent of that money. (Except through bills, sometimes food, etc)
    There is bank records, wire transfer records, and phone records on this event.
    Was the law broken or was this perfectly legal?

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Zachary. It sounds like the grandmother was the representative payee. A representative payee must use the benefits to pay for the beneficiary’s needs and solely for that purpose. If your girlfriend thinks that her grandmother, as her representative payee, misused her benefits, she should report it immediately. We will investigate all allegations of misuse, gather facts and evidence, and make a decision on whether misuse has occurred. She will receive a letter from Social Security telling her what we found. If we find misuse, we will then take action to recover any misused money. To report misuse of benefits, she needs to call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives or contact her local office.

  3. Ruth D.

    I need someone to call me related to a call I received from SS last week regarding suspicious activity on my account. I have tried over and over to get a person to talk too. Can you call me back today? 805-801-2234

  4. David R.

    I believe I was scammed today, 12/5/18 at about 11:45 CST by a medical device provider. I am in process of changing Medicare Supplement providers and was expecting a call from someone following up on my application, so I became gullible. I gave e them my medicare number like an idiot and they are to send me a knee brace and probably bill my medicare account. I reported the event to medicare and they have a note on my account. I believe the best thing is to reissue a new medicare number for myself and block the old number so the medical device company can not be paid. I understand the office is closed today because of ex-President George H W Bush’s funeral, but I thought leaving this note might allow someone to jump on it first thing Thursday, 12/6/18 to avoid a charge. My cell is 630-624-3182. The company identified itself as “United Health Solutions”. Please call me tomorrow.

    • Ray F.

      Just a reminder – We do not have access to personal information, therefore, we do not provide direct assistance in this venue. In your situation, you need to contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Thanks!

  5. Susan E.

    I think I am being scammed and my SSI Check was stolen by someone unknown since Sept. 2017. I also think someone fraudulent has been doing redeterminations on me every two years. Because the Social Security Administration never sent out any letters to me. How do I get to the bottom of this? I think someone is trying to steal my SSDI too!

    • Ray F.

      Hello Susan. If you suspect or know of someone committing fraud against Social Security, we ask you to report it. Thanks!

  6. Brenda

    Roy lee rhoades 3 23 1972 to robberd me of 2500 dollars i have a dc report from the police he also borrow money of his ssi check from the cash checking place he go to he promise to pay me back have not recieve it yet

  7. AMANDA

    WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO BE REMOVED AS REP PAYEE THE INDIVIDUAL THINKS I AM NOT DOING WHAT HE WANTS? HE THINKS AFTER HIS BILLS HE SHOULD GET ALL UP FRONT. HOW DO I PROTECT MY SELF FROM HIM SAYING IM NOT GIVING HIM HIS MONEY OR I AM TAKING IT FROM HIM BECAUSE I WONT RELEASE FUNDS TO HIM AND LET HIM PAY HIS OWN STUFF.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Amanda, thank you for contacting us. Your main duty is to make sure the current needs of the beneficiary are met. Once you have met these needs, he or she has a right to some discretionary spending money, even if you do not approve of all of his or her choices. With drug or alcohol abuse, you may want to give him or her only small amounts of spending money. Or you can buy food, rather than giving him or her cash for food. If you think he or she is spending money on illegal or dangerous items and activities, you should seek help from a social service agency. You can ask for guidance from your local Social Security office or by calling us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. business days.

  8. Rachel W.

    I made a mistake.But my whole social security check shouldn’t be taken for 18yrs.The judge ordered I t to be paid. No payment plan.part of that payment.I received was for my minor children.If I wasn’t entitled to it under mine.They were entitled to it under my husband ‘.When he became disabled.Social security didn’t switch them .Over .I remembered .Social security office in Torrance ca . Stating they will let it stay on mine.I’ve asked your office of social security.How I appeal the decision

    • Vonda V.

      Rachel, thank you for using our blog. For your security, we do not have access to your overpayment information in this venue. Our Overpayments factsheet offers information on options for repaying as well as appeal and waiver rights. For further assistance, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday or contact your local Social Security office.

  9. tom b.

    at 8:20 AM Nov 14 I received a phone call from officer maria Gomez of social security administration who told me my social security number has been suspended and that I should call 281-968-2076. I received this call twice so far.

  10. Cindy R.

    I caught a Chiropractor and supposedly a friend in Medicare fraud. A Doctor had me over medicated and one day I was working for a Surgeons wife cleaning house, she talked me in too calling Social Security and I told all of my information in front of her. I didn’t realize the consequences it’s a big mess. I’ve had my driver’s license, Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, Medicare card, Deed too my house, they made me lose my car, they hit my bank account, and stole my payment books out of my house, so I lost my car, the bank wouldn’t work with me at all. I’ve got proof of the payment I took a picture of it then after I told them I had the confirmation number then they told me I didn’t have insurance but I did they come and repossest my car December 26, 2017, I had insurance till January 2017. Please help me. I’m overwhelmed because theyve broke my fingers, knuckle, and I told the Surgeons wife I couldn’t clean with my left hand because I am spastic with it. She’s had my right messed up so bad I can’t hardly use it. I’m just about too give up… Cindy Russell Oh I had someone steal 4 checks when my brother was over my money he knew the checks went through but a supposedly friend took the checks one was to CDL Electric $6,750.00, one for $575.00, one was for $483.00 2 loan places, one was to SEK they sold cars and worked on them also. I caught my brother where I was paying $800.00 every 3 months on on house and car Insurance he was the President in Topeka, Ks. Of the same Insurance Company. I also caught my sister when I worked at Westar Energy for 151/2 years for them she collected $500 and some thousand from where I got hurt on the job, she also had acess too my Birth Certificate, my badge number, my dad was good friends with my boss . There is even more. They keep breaking in my house, theyve stole my clothes, jewelry, food, among other things, and theyve even sabatodged my house so I can’t sell it. Please help me, SIR. Thank you for your time.

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