SSI - Do You Know Someone Who Is Fraudulent?
Do you know anyone who is defrauding the social security administration (SSA)? If so, do you know what you can do about it?
The SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Fraud Hotline handles allegations of fraud, abuse, and waste. Here’s the skinny on reporting fraud to the hotline.
How do I contact the Hotline?
Internet: Go to SSA Website and click on Fraud Reporting Form
U.S. Mail Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, MD 21235
Fax: (410)597-0118
Telephone 1-800-269-0271 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm EST.
TTY: 1-866-501-2101
What kind of situations should I report to the Hotline?
If you know of an individual who:
Conceals work activity while receiving disability benefits.
Resides overseas and is receiving SSI benefits
Receives Social Security Benefits for a child not under his/her care
Makes false statements on claims
Conceals material facts or events that affect eligibility
Fails to notify SSA of the death of a beneficiary and continues to receive and cash the checks of the deceased
Bribery of a SSA employee
Misuse of benefits by a Representative Payee
Buying or selling Social security cards
Conceals a marriage or assets from SSA while receiving SSI benefits
There are, of course, other situations, the above are just some examples
What about identity theft?
The use of your social security number by someone else to obtain goods, services, loans, etc should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You may reach the FTC by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or at FTC Identity Theft.
What information must I have available when I contact the Hotline?
Generally, the more information you have, the better chance SSA has in determining whether a crime has been committed. Some of the information SSA will want to know includes;
Who committed the fraud. (Name, address, SSN, date of birth, telephone number)
The identity of the victim if applicable.
A description of what the suspect did.
Where the alleged fraud took place.
When did the alleged fraud take place.
Who else has knowledge of the alleged fraudulent activity.
Do I have to give SSA my name?
No, you don’t. You may remain anonymous but, keep in mind, that it you opt for anonymity that may limit SSA’s ability to conduct a thorough investigation.
If I give SSA my name, will my identity remain confidential?
Not surprisingly, in some cases, informants have good reason to believe that the disclosure of their identities may place them in danger or cause other problems. You have the right to request confidentiality. SSA’s policy is that they “will protect the identity of complainants to the maximum extent allowed by law and only release your identity to those officials who have a need to know”.
I want more information, where should I go?
Start out by reading the informationon SSA’s website at SSA Website.
Medicare or Medicaid Fraud
If you wish to report fraudulent activity regarding medicare or medicaid, you should contact the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General 1-800-447-8477 or go to Office of Inspector General.
To learn more about social security disability law issues, please read our Greenberg & Bederman Social Security FAQ. To learn more about our social security disability lawyers in Maryland, please click on Dory Sutker, or Suja Varghese.
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