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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Mike V.
I have recently found out that my ex wife filed for SSI for our disabled daughter that we have joint custody of, but when she applied for SSI she said that she had full custody. She was denied due to her income. I have also found out that she did the same with IHSS. I would like to know how I can get a copy of the application for SSI where she stated that she had full custody. I am going back to court to request more custody and my attorney would like to submit the application as a character reference for the judge to know what she has been doing.
R.F.
Hello Mike, unfortunately, your situation is a bit more complex than we can handle in this blog. For security purposes, we do not have access to personal records in this venue. We recommend that you contact your local office for assistance with this situation. Thanks
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joey
Will a person for which I beleive is comiting ssdi fraud be investigated with the following information:
– I do not know her alleged diaability
– she works with her husband as secretary
– she has been recieving ssdi for the last 20 years
– i know her job and home adress
– i know her last for digits of ss
R.F.
Hi Joey, thank you for your concern. We take allegations of fraud very seriously. If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of Social Security benefits, we encourage you to report it. Keep in mind, however, that it is possible for people with disabilities receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive their benefits. Thanks again!
B G.
We believe that my nephews Back Payment Check for his SSI has been stolen. We also suspect that the same person stole his State ID and his SS Card. Since he does not have a payee on his account, we are running into walls trying to get anyone to investigate. (He is not available to call or be on the call to his local office.) We know who may be responsible for the theft. What can we do? Very frustrated.
R.F.
Your nephew should really try to contact his local Social Security office or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Remember, if you suspect any illegal or criminal activity, you should contact your local law enforcement agencies.
Mrs. E.
If someone is recieving retirement checks from working the RAIL ROADS, & that person is making money at a job under the table, is that fruad
R.F.
Hello Mrs. Esco. If you wish to report or discuss any suspected misconduct relating to the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), its program or employees, you can call the RRB at 1 877 772-5772 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, to speak to an RRB representative.
sue t.
HI,
My sister, who has been calling Soc. sec. office for a week, cant get any help concerning her benefits as an ex spouse, of 15 yrs. who’s husband is about to die. He has been living in the USA, on a green card, for the last 40 yrs, and has paid into the Soc. Sec. and Fed. Tax. all throughout his life here. Even though he will be survived by his 2nd wife, will his first wife, my sister, receive also ? She has not remarried.
R.F.
Hi Sue, a Surviving Divorced Spouse could get benefits just the same as a widow, provided that the marriage lasted 10 years or more. Please visit our Survivors Benefit Planner for more information.
Kathryn T.
I know atleast 4 people who are fraud in the system but nothing happens to them and if ssi disability would do their dang jobs they would know also. The people whio deserve it don’t get it and the frauds DI UNBEARABLE. How messed up our syst is SICKENSE.
R.F.
Hi Kathryn. The Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs. We pay disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability. In addition, Social Security conducts periodic medical reviews to make sure individuals receiving checks are still eligible to get them. If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of Social Security benefits we encourage you to report it. Thanks.
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Sara
SSA gave my social security number ot my daughreter on her blue and red card and on letters. They say they do this when a person up to age 21 or whatever gets disabiilty under their parents income. So now a mentally ill daughter who does not live wiht me has my number…she’s committed crimes int he psat. She hangs out with criminals. When calling SSA they had an attitude wiht me, refuse to give me a new number. So like I told them I guess I am not worht anything inthe country. They can pass out my number to anyone regardless of if they are related to me and I’m a sitting duck. Yeh, I contacted Experian, yeh I put on fraud alters of which I had to PAY Experian $10 in my state!! I WANT a NEW ss number?? Can eny one help. I’m a citizen and have a right to pretected not compromised personal info. What do you do when it’s SSA them selves that committed the compromise???!!!