Social Security fraud is a serious offense and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) acts on all reports of fraud and other program abuses. If you suspect that someone is defrauding Social Security, there are several ways you can report your suspicions of fraud to the OIG. You can even use these same reporting options if you are a victim of fraud regarding your social security benefits.

Social Security Fraud

The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays benefits to over 50 million Americans every month, so even a small percentage of fraud can result in large losses. Typically, benefits are received fraudulently when the recipient has actively misrepresented information to the SSA, such as furnishing false information regarding age, income, marital status or a child under her care. Fraud also occurs when there has been a change in the recipient's living circumstances that effects her entitlement to benefits and that change is not reported to the SSA. When you become aware of information regarding any of the foregoing situations, you can report this information to the OIG to start a fraud investigation.

Identification of Recipient

The OIG needs sufficient identifying information on the suspected fraud recipient in order to be able to match the recipient to information in the SSA system. The best way to make a match is by providing the recipient's social security number; however, given that these numbers are usually kept confidential, you will probably have to provide other identifying information. Give the most thorough description you can of the recipient, including name, date of birth, address, phone numbers and a physical description.

Fraud Hotline

The OIG operates a Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271 (TTY: 1-866-501-2101 for the hearing impaired). The hot line can be used to report any fraud or other program abuses affecting the SSA during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm. EST. The website maintained by the OIG also provides this information.

Online Fraud Reporting Form

The OIG website has an on-line Fraud Reporting Form that can be used to initiate an investigation of suspected Social Security fraud. The form allows you to indicate whether or not you want to remain anonymous. You can also choose to simply keep your identity confidential, meaning that the OIG will not release it to anyone else, but may contact you for further information.

Report by Mail

As an alternative to reporting by phone or the Internet, you can send correspondence to the OIG to report fraud at: Social Security Fraud Hotline, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, Maryland 21235.

Source:

Justice Department Legal Education: Social Security Fraud

Office of the Inspector General

Social Security Act: Penalty for Fraud