Social Security & Fraud Prevention

Identity theft and Social Security fraud are becoming more common. Simple prevention techniques can help you steer clear of scams and keep your financial life safe.

What Am I Protecting?

There is some information you want to keep completely to yourself. Your Social Security number is the most important because it leads directly to your government-issued benefits. Any misuse of these benefits is illegal and could lead to jail time.

Take Action

Guard your Social Security number closely and keep your card in a safe place--not your wallet. Avoid allowing your card to be lost or stolen.

Misusing Social Security Benefits

There are a number of ways people can commit Social Security fraud. Not reporting a death in the family in order to collect benefits, as well as stealing government-mailed checks are some of the most common ways. According to the Social Security Administration, other fraudulent activities include concealing a marriage, residing overseas but still collecting payments and concealing disability benefits while collecting.

Other Illegal Activities

Buying or selling Social Security numbers is illegal, as are scams that are geared toward getting that information from people. It is also illegal to bribe a Social Security Authority employee.

If You Suspect Fraud

You can put a freeze on your credit if you suspect identity theft, but reporting Social Security fraud needs to be done at a corporate level or directly to the government. Most businesses have an anonymous hotline to report fraud of any kind.

References

• Avoid Identity Theft and Fraud
• Office of the Inspector General: Preventing Fraud, Waste and Abuse
• Reporting Social Security Fraud