How to Report Fraud to the Social Security Administration

Where and how to report Social Security fraud

Report fraud to the Social Security Administration through the Office of Inspector General (OIG), which is the federal office that investigates Social Security crimes. You can report online, by phone, or by mail. The fastest route is the online form at oig.ssa.gov, where you fill out details about what happened and submit it immediately. If you prefer to call, the OIG fraud hotline is 1-800-269-0271. You can also mail a written report to the Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, MD 21235.

When you report, have specific details ready: the person's name or Social Security number if you know it, what fraud you witnessed or suspect, when it happened, and how you found out about it. The OIG does not require you to give your name, though providing contact information helps them follow up if they need more details. Reports are confidential.

If the fraud involves your own Social Security account — someone using your number, a representative payee stealing your benefits, or an error in your record — you can also report it directly to your local Social Security office. Call 1-800-772-1213 to find the office nearest you or to report over the phone.

Key Takeaways

The Social Security Office of Inspector General handles fraud reports and can be reached online at oig.ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-269-0271, or by mail.
You do not need to provide your name when reporting fraud, though contact information helps the OIG follow up with you.
If fraud affects your own Social Security account, you can also report it directly to your local Social Security office by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Have specific details ready when you report: names, Social Security numbers, what happened, when it happened, and how you learned about it.
The OIG investigates all types of Social Security fraud, including benefit theft, identity theft, work history fraud, and misuse by representative payees.

Types of fraud the OIG investigates

The OIG investigates fraud involving Social Security benefits, work history records, and the people who manage benefits on someone else's behalf. Benefit fraud includes someone receiving payments they are not may have access to to — for example, continuing to collect after returning to work without reporting it, or collecting benefits in multiple states. Identity theft means someone is using another person's Social Security number to open accounts, work, or claim benefits.

Representative payee fraud occurs when someone appointed to manage benefits for another person (usually a child, elderly person, or person with a disability) steals or misuses those funds. Work history fraud includes falsifying earnings records or paying into Social Security under a false identity. The OIG also investigates fraud by Social Security employees and contractors.

You can report any of these if you suspect them. You do not have to be certain — suspicion is enough to file a report. The OIG determines whether there is enough evidence to investigate.

What happens after you report

After you submit a report, the OIG reviews it to decide whether to investigate. This review can take weeks or months. If the OIG opens an investigation, they may contact you for more information, interview the person accused, and examine Social Security records and bank records. You will not always hear back about the outcome — the OIG does not routinely notify reporters of investigation results due to privacy laws.

If the OIG finds fraud, they can refer the case to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution, order the person to repay stolen benefits, or both. Social Security can also suspend or terminate benefits and refer the case to state or local law enforcement. The timeline from report to resolution varies widely depending on the complexity of the case.

If you reported fraud that affects your own benefits, follow up with your local Social Security office to make sure your account is corrected. Do not assume the OIG investigation will automatically fix errors in your record.

Reporting fraud involving your own account

If someone is using your Social Security number, your representative payee is stealing from you, or your benefits are being paid incorrectly, report it to both the OIG and your local Social Security office. The local office can freeze your account, correct records, and stop improper payments faster than the OIG investigation alone.

Call 1-800-772-1213 to reach Social Security directly. Have your Social Security number and details about what happened ready. Ask them to place a fraud alert on your account and to review your recent payment history. If identity theft is involved, also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov — this creates an official record and may help you dispute fraudulent accounts opened in your name.

If a representative payee is misusing your benefits, Social Security can remove them and appoint a new payee or send payments directly to you. This process usually takes a few weeks once you report it.

Reporting fraud you witness but are not affected by

You can report fraud you suspect even if it does not involve you — for example, if you believe a neighbor is collecting disability benefits while working, or if you suspect someone is using a deceased person's Social Security number. Use the OIG online form or hotline. Provide as much detail as you can: names, addresses, Social Security numbers if known, and specific facts about what you observed or learned.

The OIG takes reports from the public seriously. You do not need proof, just reasonable suspicion. If you are a Social Security employee, contractor, or work in a related field and discover fraud, you can also report it through your agency's internal fraud reporting process, though the OIG hotline is always an option.

Protecting yourself while reporting

Reporting fraud is protected activity. If you are a Social Security employee or contractor and report fraud, you have legal protections against retaliation under federal whistleblower laws. If you report fraud by your employer or a government contractor, you can file a whistleblower complaint with the Office of Inspector General if you face retaliation.

If you are reporting fraud by someone you know personally — a family member, caregiver, or friend — consider your safety. If there is any risk of harm, contact local law enforcement instead of or in addition to the OIG. The OIG investigates federal crimes, but local police can respond to threats or violence immediately.

Keep records of what you reported and when. Save confirmation numbers if you report online. If you report by phone, note the date and time. This helps if you need to follow up or if the fraud continues after you report it.

What the OIG does and does not do

The OIG investigates fraud and refers cases for prosecution, but they do not process benefits, correct your account, or handle routine Social Security matters. If your report involves an error in your own record — a missing work credit, an incorrect payment amount, or a benefit that should have started — the OIG investigation may not fix it. Contact your local Social Security office directly for account corrections.

The OIG also does not handle complaints about Social Security policy, disputes over benefit decisions, or disagreements with a representative payee's spending choices that do not constitute theft. If you disagree with a benefit decision, you can request reconsideration or a hearing through Social Security's appeals process. If you have concerns about how a representative payee is spending your money but suspect no crime, contact your local Social Security office to request a payee review.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The OIG accepts anonymous reports. However, providing your name and contact information helps them follow up if they need more details. Reports are kept confidential.

What if I report fraud and nothing seems to happen?

The OIG does not always notify reporters of investigation outcomes due to privacy laws. If the fraud affects your own account, follow up with your local Social Security office to ensure your record is corrected. If you suspect the fraud is ongoing, you can file another report.

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

Yes. You can report suspicion. The OIG reviews reports to determine whether there is enough evidence to investigate. Suspicion alone is enough to file.

What should I do if someone is using my Social Security number?

Report it to the OIG, call your local Social Security office at 1-800-772-1213, and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. The FTC report creates an official record that helps you dispute fraudulent accounts.

Can I report fraud by a Social Security employee?

Yes. Use the OIG hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or the online form at oig.ssa.gov. The OIG investigates fraud and misconduct by Social Security staff and contractors.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.