Where and how to report suspected Social Security fraud

If you suspect someone is committing fraud involving Social Security benefits, you can report it to the Social Security Administration's Office of Inspector General (OIG). The fastest route is the OIG's fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271, available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time. You can also submit a report online at oig.ssa.gov or mail a written report to the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Fraud Hotline, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, MD 21235.

You do not need to provide your name when you report. The OIG accepts anonymous tips, and many fraud reports come in this way. However, if you do provide contact information, the OIG may follow up with you for additional details about what you observed.

If the fraud involves identity theft or a crime beyond Social Security benefits — for example, someone using a stolen Social Security number to open credit accounts — you should also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338. Local law enforcement can take a report as well, though Social Security fraud is typically handled at the federal level.

Key Takeaways

  • The Social Security OIG fraud hotline (1-800-269-0271) is the primary place to report suspected benefit fraud, and you can remain anonymous.
  • You can report online at oig.ssa.gov, by mail, or by phone, and the OIG does not require your name or contact information.
  • If the fraud involves identity theft or credit fraud, also report to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.
  • Common fraud includes someone collecting benefits under a false identity, continuing to collect after death, or working while claiming disability without reporting earnings.

What counts as Social Security fraud

Social Security fraud occurs when someone knowingly provides false information to receive benefits they are not may have access to to, or continues to receive benefits after a change in circumstances that should have stopped them. The most common types include collecting benefits under a false identity, continuing to collect after the beneficiary has died, working and earning income while collecting disability benefits without reporting the earnings, or falsely claiming a dependent to increase benefit amounts.

Fraud also includes a representative payee (someone authorized to manage benefits for another person) misusing those funds for their own purposes instead of the beneficiary's needs. If you suspect a payee is stealing from someone's benefits, that is reportable fraud.

Not all benefit errors are fraud. If someone makes an honest mistake on their process or forgets to report a change in income, that is typically handled as an overpayment that Social Security will recover through reduced future payments. Fraud requires intent — the person knew the information was false or knew they should have reported a change but did not.

Information you should have before reporting

The more specific information you provide, the better the OIG can investigate. If you are reporting fraud involving a specific person, gather their name, Social Security number (if you know it), date of birth, and current address. If you know where they work or what their employment situation is, that helps — especially if they are collecting disability while working.

Write down what you observed and when. For example: "I saw John Smith working full-time at ABC Construction in June 2024, but he told me he receives Social Security Disability Insurance." Dates and specific details matter more than general suspicions. If you know the person is receiving benefits under multiple identities or in multiple states, note that as well.

If you are reporting fraud involving a deceased beneficiary, provide the person's name, Social Security number, and the date of death if you know it. If you are reporting that someone is collecting benefits for a child who no longer lives with them, provide the child's name and the beneficiary's relationship to the child.

What happens after you report

After you submit a report, the OIG will review it to determine whether it warrants investigation. Not every report leads to a formal investigation — some may be referred to the local Social Security office for review, or combined with other reports about the same person. The OIG does not typically notify the person who reported the fraud about the outcome, even if you provide your contact information.

If the OIG finds that fraud occurred, Social Security will stop the fraudulent payments and may pursue recovery of overpaid benefits. In some cases, the OIG refers the matter to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution, which can result in fines and imprisonment. However, most fraud cases are handled as civil matters through benefit recovery rather than criminal charges.

The investigation process can take months or longer, depending on the complexity of the case and the OIG's workload. You should not expect a quick resolution or a detailed update on what happened with your report.

Reporting fraud you discover at Social Security

If you work for Social Security or a related agency and discover fraud during your job, you have additional reporting channels. You can report to your supervisor, your agency's Office of Inspector General, or the Social Security OIG directly. Federal employees can also use the Office of Special Counsel's whistleblower procedures if they believe retaliation is a risk.

If you are a beneficiary and you notice suspicious activity on your own Social Security account — for example, a payment you did not receive or a work report you did not file — contact your local Social Security office when ready. This is not fraud reporting but account correction, and it should be handled quickly to prevent further errors.

Protecting yourself from Social Security fraud

You can reduce the risk of someone committing fraud using your Social Security number by monitoring your Social Security statement. You can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your earnings record and benefit estimates. If you see work history or earnings you do not recognize, contact Social Security right away.

If you suspect your Social Security number has been stolen, place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and consider a credit freeze. You can also file an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov, which creates an official record you can use with creditors and banks.

If you receive a Social Security statement or benefit notice for someone else, do not ignore it — forward it to the OIG or your local Social Security office. This could indicate that someone is using a stolen identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I report fraud anonymously?

Yes. The OIG accepts anonymous reports by phone, mail, and online. You do not have to provide your name or contact information. However, if you do provide your contact details, the OIG may reach out if they need clarification on your report.

What if I am not sure whether something is fraud?

You can still report it. Describe what you observed and let the OIG determine whether it meets the definition of fraud. It is better to report a suspicion that turns out to be innocent than to stay silent about something that is actually illegal.

Will the person I report face criminal charges?

Most Social Security fraud cases result in civil recovery of overpaid benefits rather than criminal prosecution. The OIG refers cases to the Department of Justice only when there is evidence of intentional, significant fraud. Criminal charges are possible but not automatic.

How long does an investigation take?

There is no set timeline. Investigations can take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity and the OIG's resources. You should not expect a quick resolution or updates on the status of your report.

What if I reported fraud but nothing seems to have happened?

The OIG does not notify reporters about outcomes, so you may never know whether your report led to action. If you have additional information about the same person or situation, you can submit another report. If you believe the fraud is ongoing and urgent, you can call the hotline again.