Frequently Asked Questions

The following are general questions that are frequently asked by those who contact the SSA OIG Fraud Hotline.

1. My Representative Payee is misusing my benefits. What should I do?

Refer to Representative Payee Misuse.

2. What should I do if my wallet containing my Social Security Card is lost or stolen?

The Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General does not investigate the loss or theft of personal property including wallets and purses containing personal identification. If your wallet or purse containing your Social Security Card is stolen, contact your local police department immediately to file a report of theft. You should also contact the Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement Social Security Card. Refer to How to Apply for a Social Security Card.

3. Someone is using my SSN. What can I do to protect myself?

Refer to the Factsheet When Someone Else Uses Your Social Security Number.

4. Can the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General place a fraud alert on my Social Security Number?

No. The Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General cannot place a fraud alert on your Social Security Number. If you discover that you are an identity theft victim, you should contact the fraud department of the three major credit bureaus and request that a fraud alert be placed in your file. You should also provide a written statement asking that creditors contact you before opening any new accounts or changing existing accounts. This can help prevent an identity thief from opening additional accounts in your name.

5. Who should I contact if someone used my Social Security Number to obtain credit?

The use of your Social Security Number by someone else to obtain credit, loans, telephone accounts, or other goods and services should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC collects complaints about identity theft from those whose identities have been stolen. Although the FTC does not have the authority to bring criminal cases, the FTC can help victims of identity theft by providing information to assist them in resolving the financial and other problems that can result from this crime. The FTC puts your information into a secure consumer fraud database and may, in appropriate instances, share it with other law enforcement agencies and private entities, including any companies about which you may complain. You can reach the FTC directly by calling toll-free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). The FTC can also be reached at its website at www.ftc.gov.

6. I'm having problems with my Federal tax returns and it involves the misuse of my Social Security Number. What should I do to get it resolved?

Problems with Federal tax returns must be resolved by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This includes the misuse of a Social Security Number on a tax return. The IRS provides a toll free number to assist with questions related to tax problems.

If someone incorrectly listed your Social Security Number or your child's Social Security Number on their tax return, or if the IRS has notified you that your refund cannot be processed because someone else has already used your Social Security Number on their tax return, you should contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

7. What information is needed to file a fraud complaint?

We need as much identifying information as you can provide, which includes the name, address and Social Security Number (or date of birth, approximate age, mother`s or father`s name if the Social Security Number is not available) of the person whom you are reporting. If you are reporting concealed work activity, the following information is helpful - the name of the employer, employer`s address and phone number, and when you think the work activity began.

8. Can I get the status report of my fraud complaint?

The SSA OIG Fraud Hotline cannot provide status reports or any information regarding the disposition of your allegation. The information you provide will be processed according to our guidelines and appropriate action taken. Federal Regulations prohibits the disclosure of information contained in law enforcement records even to the individual making the allegation. Please do not request such information.

9. Why does it take so long before I can speak to a live person when I call the Hotline?

Due to the high volume of calls the Inspector General has provided other options for contacting us: mail, e-mail, fax.

10. What if I am dissatisfied with a decision I received from Social Security regarding my claim?

The Office of the Inspector General is legally barred from interfering in the administration or adjudication of your claim. We are also prohibited from interceding on your behalf in any step of the adjudicative process. The fact that your claim has been denied is not the basis of an OIG investigation. If you believe that the Social Security Administration did not properly consider all of the facts in your claim, you should avail yourself of the procedural steps for reconsideration and appeal. The Office of the Inspector General is charged with preventing fraud, waste and abuse in the programs administered by SSA. If your allegation falls into one of these categories, we want to hear from you.

11. Someone may be using my Social Security Number for work purposes. What should I do?

You can determine if someone is using your SSN for work purposes by completing a Social Security Statement (Form 7004). You can request this form by contacting the Social Security toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, or visiting your local Social Security office. After you complete this form and return it to Social Security, you can expect to receive your statement in four to six weeks. If you find that earnings have been posted to your record that do not belong to you, re-contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to have the earnings removed. This situation is known as “scrambled earnings”.

12. I have worked for the same company for many years. I was told by my company that Social Security and other withholding taxes were submitted to the Internal Revenue Service. However, I have since discovered that my company has not reported my wages. What should I do?

If you have received a W-2 statement from your employer and it does not reflect withholdings, you should contact Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 and provide them with the information that is reflected on your W-2 statement. You may also take your W-2 statement to your local Social Security office and they will take corrective action.

If you do not have a W-2 statement and you are concerned that your employer is improperly withholding or failing to withhold Social Security, federal income or employment taxes, you should report this matter directly the Internal Revenue Service; their toll- free number is 1-800-829-1040. Employers may be subject to criminal sanctions for willfully failing to pay employment taxes. For further information, visit their website at www.treas.gov/irs/ci/

13. How do I report suspected illegal aliens or suspected illegal immigration activity?