Where and how to report Social Security fraud

Report Social Security fraud to the Office of Inspector General (OIG), which investigates misuse of Social Security benefits and funds. You can report online, by phone, or by mail — the online method is fastest and requires no personal information from you.

The OIG's fraud hotline is 1-800-269-0271. You can also file a report at oig.ssa.gov using their online form, which takes about five minutes. If you prefer to mail a report, send it to: Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, MD 21235.

You do not need to provide your name or contact information when you report. The OIG accepts anonymous tips, which means you can describe what you witnessed without identifying yourself. However, if you do provide contact details, the OIG may reach out if investigators need more information.

Key Takeaways

  • Report fraud to the Social Security Office of Inspector General by calling 1-800-269-0271, visiting oig.ssa.gov, or mailing a written report to their Baltimore office.
  • You can report anonymously and do not need to provide your name, address, or phone number.
  • Describe what you observed as specifically as possible: names, dates, benefit amounts, or the type of fraud you suspect.
  • The OIG investigates benefit fraud (someone collecting benefits they do not deserve), work-related fraud (unreported earnings), and misuse of Social Security funds.
  • Reporting takes a few minutes and does not require you to follow up or provide evidence — the OIG handles the investigation.

What counts as Social Security fraud

Social Security fraud occurs when someone receives benefits they are not may have access to to or fails to report a change that would reduce their benefits. Common examples include collecting benefits while working and not reporting the income, continuing to collect a deceased person's benefits, or misrepresenting age or citizenship status on an application.

Fraud also includes someone else using another person's Social Security number to open an account or collect benefits in their name. If you suspect identity theft involving Social Security, report it the same way — through the OIG hotline or website.

You might also report suspected fraud if someone you know is collecting benefits while living outside the United States without notifying Social Security, or if a representative payee (someone managing benefits for another person) is misusing those funds.

What information to include in your report

The more specific your report, the more useful it is to investigators. Include the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number if you know it. If you do not have the Social Security number, provide any identifying information you do have — a phone number, address, employer name, or the city where they live.

Describe 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 was collecting disability benefits." Or: "My neighbor receives survivor benefits for her deceased husband, but he is still alive — I saw him at the grocery store last month." Specific dates and details help investigators narrow their focus.

If you know how the fraud is happening — such as unreported work, hidden income, or a false statement on the application — explain that too. You do not need to prove anything; you are providing information that the OIG will investigate independently.

How the OIG investigates reports

Once you submit a report, the OIG reviews it and decides whether to investigate. They have access to Social Security records, tax returns, employment data, and other government databases that you do not. Investigators may interview the person, contact their employer, review bank records, or check other government agencies' files.

The investigation process is confidential. You will not be told the outcome, and the person being investigated will not be told who reported them (unless you choose to identify yourself). The OIG does not share investigation results with reporters.

If investigators find fraud, the person may be required to repay the benefits they received wrongly, face criminal charges, or both. Repayment can happen through benefit reduction (the OIG deducts money from future payments) or a court judgment. Criminal cases are rare but do occur for large-scale or intentional fraud.

Reporting fraud you suspect at work or in your community

You might suspect fraud because of something you see at work — a coworker collecting disability while working full-time — or in your community, such as a neighbor receiving survivor benefits for someone you know is still alive. In either case, report what you actually observed, not what you assume.

For example, if you see a coworker doing physical labor, report that specific observation. Do not assume they are committing fraud; the OIG will determine whether their work violates their benefit rules. Some people on Social Security can work and earn a certain amount without losing benefits, so the OIG needs the details to make that judgment.

If you are a Social Security employee, representative payee, or work in a related field, you have a professional obligation to report suspected fraud. Use the same hotline and website as anyone else.

Protecting yourself when reporting

Reporting fraud is legal and protected. You cannot be sued or punished for reporting in good faith to the OIG, even if the investigation finds no fraud. "Good faith" means you reported what you genuinely believed to be true based on what you observed, not something you made up or reported out of spite.

If you are reporting fraud by a family member, employer, or someone else you know, keep your report confidential. Do not tell the person you reported them, as this could interfere with the investigation or create conflict. The OIG will not reveal your identity unless you authorize it.

If you are worried about retaliation at work for reporting fraud, document any negative changes in your treatment after you report. Retaliation for reporting fraud is illegal, and you can file a complaint with your employer's human resources department or contact the OIG directly if you believe retaliation has occurred.

Other ways to report Social Security issues

If you have a question about your own benefits or need to report a change in your circumstances (such as returning to work or a change in living situation), contact Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. This is different from reporting fraud.

If you suspect someone is using your Social Security number without permission, report it to the OIG and also contact the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov. The FTC handles identity theft cases and can help you place a fraud alert on your credit report.

If you work for Social Security or a related agency and want to report fraud or mismanagement within the agency itself, you can contact the OIG's hotline or use the agency's internal reporting channels. The OIG also investigates employee misconduct and misuse of agency resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to give my name when I report fraud?

No. The OIG accepts anonymous reports, and you can submit a tip without providing any personal information. If you do provide your name and contact details, the OIG may reach out if they need more information, but it is optional.

What happens after I report fraud?

The OIG reviews your report and decides whether to investigate. You will not be told the outcome or whether an investigation was opened. The process is confidential, and the person you reported will not know who reported them unless you tell them.

Can I report fraud if I am not sure it is actually fraud?

Yes. If you observed something that seemed suspicious, report it. The OIG has access to records and databases you do not, so they can determine whether what you saw actually violates Social Security rules. Reporting in good faith protects you from legal liability.

What if the person I want to report is a family member?

You can report family members the same way you report anyone else. Keep your report confidential and do not tell the person you reported them. The OIG will not reveal your identity, and reporting in good faith is legal even if it affects a family relationship.

Is there a reward for reporting fraud?

The OIG does not offer financial rewards for tips. However, if your report leads to recovery of benefits, you have the satisfaction of knowing that misused funds are being returned to the Social Security program. Some whistleblower programs in other agencies do offer rewards, but Social Security's OIG does not.