“`html

Protect Yourself from Social Security Fraud

Social Security provides financial security to many Americans, but unfortunately, it also attracts criminals. Every quarter, thousands of Americans report Social Security scams and fraud to the government. With 70 million people receiving Social Security payments as of 2021, encountering a scam is not uncommon. If you’re a victim, you might face anything from minor headaches to major logistical issues and lost money.

Types of Social Security Fraud

Social Security fraud typically occurs when an unauthorized third party gains access to your Social Security number and exploits it for their own financial benefit. It also includes cases where recipients receive benefits based on false or omitted information on government paperwork. Here are some common types of Social Security fraud:

Representative Payee Fraud

This occurs when a representative payee, appointed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to manage payments for someone incapacitated, steals or mismanages the funds.

Social Security Impersonation Fraud

Scammers pretend to be SSA employees or other government officials to obtain Social Security numbers and personal information for identity theft or to demand payment.

Purchase or Sale of Social Security Data

Criminals buy and sell Social Security cards or information on the black market or dark web.

Social Security Number Misuse

Fraudsters use stolen Social Security numbers to apply for benefits, unauthorized work, other government benefits, loans, and financial accounts.

Benefits Fraud

This occurs when individuals provide false information to receive Social Security benefits they are not eligible for, or collect benefits in a family member’s name using inaccurate information.

Concealing Personal Information

Concealing or shielding personal data that could impact Social Security benefits is fraud. Examples include accepting benefits for a child not under one’s care or concealing work activity while receiving disability benefits.

Illegitimate Deceased Benefits Fraud

Failing to notify the SSA of a death and continuing to accept the deceased’s benefits is considered fraud.

Insider Fraud

SSA employees or managers who use their access to receive payments or benefits, or help someone else do so, are committing Social Security fraud.

How to Know if Someone Is Using Your Social Security Number Fraudulently

Signs that someone may be using your Social Security number fraudulently include:

• Unrecognized accounts or applications on your credit report.
• Issues claiming government benefits you’re entitled to.
• Inability to file your tax return because someone else has already filed using your number.
• Inaccurate Social Security earnings statements.
• Your Social Security number appearing in a dark web scan.
• Unrecognized changes to your account addresses.
• Receiving mail or calls from debt collectors for accounts you didn’t open.
• Rejection for loans or credit cards you should qualify for.
• Unrecognized notifications from the IRS or SSA.

How to Report Social Security Fraud

If you believe you’ve encountered or become a victim of Social Security fraud, report it to the Office of the Inspector General. You can report fraud by calling the hotline or online. If you were a victim of cybercrime, file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

You can also put a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit reports with Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. A fraud alert instructs creditors to verify your identity before processing new credit applications. A security freeze limits access to your report, even when you request it be checked.

If you have a Social Security account, block electronic access through the SSA. Contact your financial institutions if any of your existing bank or credit accounts were compromised. If you lost money, file a report with your local law enforcement.

How to Protect Yourself from Social Security Fraud

To protect yourself from Social Security fraud, consider these measures:

• Keep your Social Security card at home in a safe place.
• Regularly check your financial accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity.
• Be cautious of unexpected calls claiming to be from Social Security. The SSA will never threaten, ask for credit or debit card numbers, or demand payment over the phone.
• Be wary of emails, texts, or calls posing as government agencies or financial institutions asking for your Social Security number or personal data.
• Know that legitimate government agencies or banks will not contact you via social media.
• Familiarize yourself with common financial scam red flags, such as pressure to act immediately, payment requests over the phone, and demands of secrecy.
• Create an online Social Security account to track your records and identify suspicious activity.
• Shred papers containing personal information, especially those with your Social Security number.
• Review the SSA’s scam alerts for the latest fraud tactics.
• Add blocks to your Social Security account to prevent unauthorized access or changes.

If you provided financial or personal information during a scam, the Federal Trade Commission offers advice on what to do next.

For any mortgage-related needs, call O1ne Mortgage at 213-732-3074. We’re here to help you with confidence and expertise.

“`