Where and how to report suspected Social Security fraud

Report suspected Social Security fraud to the Office of Inspector General (OIG), which investigates fraud, waste, and abuse in Social Security programs. You can report online, by phone, or by mail. The OIG accepts reports from anyone — you do not need to be a Social Security recipient or employee to file a report.

The fastest route is the OIG's online fraud reporting form at oig.ssa.gov. You can also call the OIG hotline at 1-800-269-0271 (toll-free) or mail a written report to the Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, MD 21235. If you are reporting fraud involving a specific person, have their name, Social Security number, and details of the suspected fraud ready before you contact them.

Reports are confidential. You can report anonymously if you prefer, though providing your contact information helps investigators follow up if they need clarification. The OIG does not confirm whether an investigation was opened or what action was taken, so you will not receive updates on your report.

Key Takeaways

  • The Social Security Office of Inspector General investigates fraud and accepts reports online at oig.ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-269-0271, or by mail.
  • You can report fraud anonymously, and you do not need to be a Social Security recipient or employee to file a report.
  • Have the person's name, Social Security number, and specific details of the suspected fraud ready when you report.
  • The OIG does not provide updates on investigations or confirm whether action was taken on your report.

What counts as Social Security fraud

Social Security fraud occurs when someone knowingly provides false information to obtain or increase benefits, or when they fail to report a change that would reduce their benefits. Common examples include working while collecting disability benefits without reporting the income, using someone else's Social Security number to claim benefits, continuing to collect benefits after a family member's death, or lying about citizenship status or living situation on an application.

Fraud also includes identity theft — when someone uses your Social Security number without permission to claim benefits or open accounts in your name. If you suspect your own Social Security number has been misused, report it to both the OIG and to the Social Security Administration directly by calling 1-800-772-1213.

The difference between fraud and honest mistakes

Not every error is fraud. If someone genuinely did not understand a rule, forgot to report income, or made an honest mistake on a form, that is typically handled as an overpayment rather than a criminal matter. The Social Security Administration will ask the person to repay the money, sometimes through reduced future benefits.

Fraud requires intent — the person knew the information was false or knew they were breaking the rules. If you are reporting someone, be clear about what you observed or know. For example, "I saw him working full-time at a construction company while collecting disability" is a specific observation. "I think he might be cheating" is not enough detail for an investigator to act on.

What happens after you report fraud

After you file a report, the OIG reviews it to decide whether to investigate. If they open an investigation, they may contact witnesses, review Social Security records, or work with law enforcement. Investigations can take months or longer. If fraud is confirmed, the Social Security Administration will stop the person's benefits and demand repayment of overpaid amounts.

In cases of criminal fraud, the person may face prosecution, fines, and imprisonment. However, most fraud cases result in civil recovery — the person repays what they received illegally — rather than criminal charges. The OIG does not notify the person who reported the fraud about the outcome, so you will not know whether charges were filed or what penalty was imposed.

Reporting fraud involving a family member or caregiver

If you suspect a family member or caregiver is committing fraud on behalf of an elderly or disabled person, report it the same way — through the OIG online form, phone line, or mail. This includes situations where a caregiver is forging signatures, hiding income, or failing to report the person's death.

If you are concerned about the person's immediate safety or suspect financial exploitation, you can also contact Adult Protective Services in your state or local law enforcement. The OIG handles Social Security-specific fraud; other agencies handle broader elder abuse or financial crimes. Reporting to both does not create a conflict — they share information when necessary.

Protecting yourself from Social Security fraud

Monitor your own Social Security account to catch fraud early. You can create a free account at ssa.gov and view your earnings record and benefit estimates. If you notice benefits you did not claim or earnings you did not report, contact Social Security immediately at 1-800-772-1213.

Protect your Social Security number by not sharing it unless necessary. Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet, and do not give your number to anyone who calls you claiming to be from Social Security — the agency will not call you unsolicited. If someone asks for your Social Security number and you are unsure whether they should have it, hang up and call Social Security directly to verify.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The OIG reviews all reports and decides whether to investigate. If you have a reasonable suspicion based on something you observed or know, report it. Provide the specific details you have — the person's name, what you saw or heard, and when it happened. Let the investigators determine whether it meets the threshold for fraud.

Will the person I report know it was me?

Not necessarily. You can report anonymously, and the OIG does not disclose the source of reports to the person being investigated. If you provide your name and contact information, the OIG may use it only to follow up with you for clarification — they do not share it with the subject of the investigation.

What if I reported someone and nothing seems to have happened?

The OIG receives thousands of reports and investigates based on the strength of the evidence and available resources. Not every report results in an investigation, and investigations that do open can take a long time. The OIG does not provide updates to people who report fraud, so you will not know the status unless you contact them directly.

Can I report fraud if the person is deceased?

Yes. If someone continued to collect a deceased person's benefits or claimed benefits they were not may have access to to, report it. Provide the deceased person's name, Social Security number, and the date of death if you know it, along with details of the suspected fraud.

Is there a reward for reporting Social Security fraud?

The OIG does not offer financial rewards for fraud reports. Your report is handled as a civic duty to protect the Social Security program. In some cases, if your report leads to significant recovery of funds, you may be may be able to access for a reward under federal whistleblower programs, but this is rare and not may provide.