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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Laudy
For the 2nd time in 3 months and the 3rd time in 2 years, someone has wiped my SSI benefits clean. On the 29th they went on an all day shopping spree in Chicago and had to have had a duplicate card made to be able to do things like pay at a parking meter. Who do I call and what do I do? UsDirectExpress (who my money goes through) does nothing!!!!
Laudy
Wow… no reply, go figure!
R.F.
Hi! Unfortunately, your situation is a bit more complex than we can handle in this forum. For your security, we do not have access to information about your account in this venue. Please contact your local Social Security office or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. for assistance. For help regarding Direct Express, please contact 1-800-333-1795. Thanks!
Karen
I have a payee…But i believe a man that has been stalking me.Has stolen my name,birthdate,and phone number.I am terrified that he might go in the ssi office and steal my money.Can he do this since I have a rep payee??
R.F.
We are sorry to hear of your situation Karen. We will protect your privacy, your Social Security records and benefits information at all times. Your Social Security records are confidential and we do not disclose information, unless we have proper authorization or consent. Remember, if you suspect any illegal or criminal activity, you should contact your local law enforcement agencies.
John
I know a woman that is using her adult Childs SSI to support her drug habits. And he is not mature in his mind enough to care for himself. What can be done sense she is in control of his money?
R.F.
Hi John, if you suspect misuse of SSI benefits, report it. We will investigate all allegations of misuse, gather facts and evidence, and make a decision on whether misuse has occurred. If we find misuse occurred, SSA may find a new representative payee. Generally, we look for family or friends to serve as representative payees. When friends or family are not able to serve as payees, Social Security looks for qualified organizations to be representative payees. 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. Thanks!
Kenneth c.
Sir you need to recheck statement I called number and was told for people applying, and also. If you have a office that and are corrupt and makes sure this doesn’t happen then we the disabled have no representation, so maybe the that. Be, find excuse
Autumn
My fiance has been hospitalized since mid of March, and just started talking yesterday. For a while he was communicating by blinking his eyes. Someone has filed for his SSN, and it wasn’t him, or me. Is someone else allowed to file for him?
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