Social Security combats fraud OIG conducts investigations of allegations of SSA fraud. They refer cases to U.S. attorneys within the Department of Justice, among other state and local prosecuting authorities, for prosecution as a Federal Crime.
What is considered fraud for SSDI?
Recognizing SSDI or SSI Fraud Social Security disability fraud is defined in several ways. Examples of disability fraud include: False statements: Fraud can simply be making a false statement on the disability application, like saying you are married when you are not, or lying about a source of income.
How long does Social Security take to investigate fraud?
Our goal is to complete our investigations within 180 days. Factors beyond our control—such as turning over our findings to a prosecutor—can delay the process, but more often than not, we meet this goal. Refer it to another agency, if we don’t have the authority to investigate.
How do you turn someone in for disability fraud?
You can report disability fraud to the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of Inspector General Hotline at: 1-800-269-0271 or
What happens after you report social security fraud?
If SSA suspects fraud after developing information, they refer it back to us for possible criminal investigation. We get a lot of reports about Medicare fraud, for example, which we have to send to the Department of Health & Human Services OIG , or identity theft, which go to the Federal Trade Commission .
What to do if someone is taking advantage of a disabled person?
Services (APS) Hotline at 1-866-800-1409 to report any concerns of financial exploitation against a person with a disability or older adult. APS will complete an assessment, which will include a visit to the victim and may include interviews and contact with other people and service agencies.
Would the Social Security Administration call me about suspicious activity?
SSA employees will never threaten you for information or promise benefits in exchange for information. In those cases, the call is fraudulent. Just hang up. If you suspect you’ve been contacted by an SSA scammer call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271.
When do you might be committing disability fraud?
Fines or even jail time may be imposed if the SSA finds that disability fraud occurred. For instance, when a person makes a false statement on a Social Security application, after stating that the information is true and correct, he or she can be liable for a crime.
What happens if you suspect social security fraud?
The agency may need to contact you before completing the investigation. There are severe penalties for Social Security card fraud and disability fraud. Felony criminal penalties can be up to $250,000 in fines and/or up to five years jail time. On top of the criminal penalties, there may be civil penalties as well.
What happens if you make a false SSA claim?
We can impose a penalty of up to $5,000 for each false statement or omission, plus up to twice the amount of the benefits that SSA mistakenly paid as a result. This means that even if someone doesn’t go to prison for stealing benefits, there can still be very unpleasant consequences.
Which is an example of Social Security Disability fraud?
Together they created false medical records to make Sharon’s disability, and its effect on her ability to work, seem worse than it is. Both Sharon and her friend committed fraud, and each will be subject to penalties. Failure to notify the SSA of changes to your medical condition.
