What Social Security Fraud Is and Why It Matters to You

Social Security fraud happens when someone uses a Social Security number that isn't theirs, reports false information to get benefits they don't deserve, or steals benefits meant for someone else. The most common type affecting regular people is identity theft — a criminal uses your Social Security number to open accounts, get jobs, or file for benefits in your name. You may not know it happened until you check your Social Security account or receive a notice about earnings or benefits you never received.

Fraud matters because it can delay your own benefits, create a false work history on your record, or leave you responsible for taxes on income you never earned. It also strains the Social Security system and can affect benefit amounts for everyone. The Social Security Administration (SSA) investigates fraud reports and works with law enforcement, but you need to report it yourself if you suspect something is wrong with your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Identity theft using your Social Security number is the most common fraud you need to watch for, and you may not notice it until you check your account or receive an unexpected notice.
  • You can create a free my Social Security account at ssa.gov to monitor your earnings record and spot unauthorized activity early.
  • If you suspect fraud, report it to the SSA Office of Inspector General by phone at 1-800-269-0271 or through their website, and also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.
  • The SSA will not call you asking for your number, password, or personal information — any unsolicited call claiming to be from Social Security is likely a scam.
  • Freezing your credit with the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) can prevent a thief from opening new accounts in your name while you resolve the fraud.

How to Spot Fraud on Your Own Social Security Account

The easiest way to catch fraud early is to check your Social Security earnings record once a year. Create a free account at ssa.gov — you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number. Once logged in, you can view your earnings history and see what employers have reported wages under your number. If you see employers you never worked for or earnings you did not receive, that is a sign someone used your number.

Watch for notices from the SSA that you did not expect. If you receive a letter saying you have been awarded benefits you never applied for, or a notice of a change to your account you did not request, contact the SSA immediately. Do not ignore these letters — they are often the first sign that someone else has filed in your name. You can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to verify whether the notice is real and whether you filed the claim.

Another warning sign is receiving a tax form (like a W-2 or 1099) for a job you never had. This means an employer reported wages under your Social Security number. Report this to the IRS at irs.gov/identity-theft and to the SSA at the same time, because the fraud may involve both agencies.

Scams That Pretend to Be from Social Security

The SSA does not call people out of the blue asking for personal information. If you receive a call claiming to be from Social Security and the caller asks for your number, password, bank details, or threatens to suspend your benefits, it is a scam. Hang up immediately. Real SSA staff will not threaten you with arrest, demand immediate payment, or ask you to wire money or buy gift cards.

Scammers often spoof the SSA phone number so it appears on your caller ID as coming from the government. They may say your number has been suspended due to suspicious activity, or that you owe money, or that you need to "verify" your information. None of these are how the SSA operates. If you are unsure whether a call is real, hang up and call the SSA yourself at 1-800-772-1213 using the official number.

Email and text message scams are also common. The SSA will not email you asking you to click a link, log into your account, or provide personal details. If you receive an email or text claiming to be from Social Security, do not click any links. Instead, go directly to ssa.gov in your browser or call the SSA phone number to report it.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

Report suspected fraud to the SSA Office of Inspector General by calling 1-800-269-0271 or visiting oig.ssa.gov. You can report online, by phone, or by mail. Have your Social Security number ready and be prepared to describe what you noticed — for example, "I saw earnings from an employer I never worked for" or "I received a notice of benefits I never applied for." The OIG will investigate and may contact you with questions.

At the same time, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. The FTC does not investigate individual cases, but your report creates an official record and generates an identity theft report that you can use with creditors, employers, and banks. The FTC also shares fraud patterns with law enforcement. You will receive a recovery plan with steps to take next.

Contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and place a fraud alert on your credit file. This tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can do this for free by calling any one of the bureaus, and they will notify the other two. A fraud alert lasts one year and can be renewed. If the fraud is serious, you can also request a credit freeze, which prevents anyone from opening new accounts until you lift it.

Protecting Your Social Security Number Going Forward

Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse. Keep it in a safe place at home, like a locked drawer or safe. Only provide your number when absolutely necessary — most doctors, employers, and banks will ask for it, but you can ask whether they have an alternative identifier. Be cautious about giving your number over the phone unless you initiated the call.

Use strong, unique passwords for your my Social Security account and any other accounts tied to your benefits. Do not use the same password across multiple sites. Enable two-factor authentication on your my Social Security account if the option is available — this adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code sent to your phone or email when you log in.

Be wary of unsolicited requests for personal information, even if they seem to come from trusted sources. Scammers can fake emails, websites, and caller IDs. When in doubt, contact the organization directly using a phone number or website you know is real, not one provided in the suspicious message.

What Happens After You Report Fraud

The SSA Office of Inspector General will review your report and may open an investigation. You may be contacted for more details. If the OIG finds that fraud occurred, they can pursue criminal charges against the person responsible, though this takes time and is not may provide. In the meantime, the SSA can correct your earnings record, remove fraudulent benefit claims, and help restore your account to its proper state.

If your identity was stolen and used to file taxes, the IRS has a process for resolving this as well. You may need to file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) with the IRS. The FTC's recovery plan will guide you through the steps. Resolving identity theft can take months or even years, so stay organized and keep copies of all reports and correspondence.

Check your Social Security account regularly after reporting fraud — at least once a year, or more often if you are actively resolving a case. Make sure no new unauthorized activity appears and that your earnings record remains correct. If you spot additional fraud, report it again immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone get Social Security benefits using my number without me knowing?

Yes. A thief can file for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits in your name. You may not find out until you try to file yourself, or until you receive a notice about benefits you did not apply for. This is why checking your my Social Security account regularly is important — you can spot unauthorized claims before they are approved.

If someone used my number to work, am I responsible for their taxes?

No, but you may need to file a dispute with the IRS to clear your record. The IRS can see that the income does not match your actual work history. Report it to the IRS at identitytheft.gov and keep copies of your own tax returns and W-2s to prove the income was not yours. The IRS has processes to resolve this, though it may take time.

What if I ignore a fraud notice from Social Security?

Ignoring it can make the problem worse. If someone filed for benefits in your name and you do not report it, the SSA may continue paying those benefits, which complicates your own account. The sooner you report it, the sooner the SSA can stop the fraudulent payments and correct your record. Contact the SSA immediately if you receive an unexpected notice.

Is my Social Security number safe if I freeze my credit?

A credit freeze prevents new accounts from being opened in your name, but it does not protect your number from being used for other purposes — like filing false tax returns or getting a job. A freeze is one tool, but you also need to monitor your earnings record and watch for other signs of fraud. Report any suspicious activity to both the SSA and the IRS.

Can I change my Social Security number if it has been compromised?

Yes, but the SSA only issues a new number in limited cases, usually after significant fraud or repeated identity theft. You must visit your local Social Security office in person with proof of identity, citizenship, and age. A new number does not erase your old earnings record, so it is not a quick fix. Contact your local SSA office to discuss whether a new number is appropriate for your situation.