What is Social Security Fraud?
Every person who holds a job in the United States has to pay into a government retirement fund called Social Security. Many people believe that Social Security will not be around for them to use when they retire. One reason for this believe is the amount of Social Security fraud that is committed.
Social Security fraud can be committed in several different ways. You can conceal your work history while receiving disability benefits. You can receive disability benefits for children not under your care. You can continue to collect Social Security benefits on someone who has died. Finally, you can conceal your marriage or assets when receiving supplemental Social Security benefits.
Not all Social Security fraud is committed by the people receiving the benefits. Sometimes Social Security employees commit fraud. Many con artists pose as Social Security employees and ask for information such as your Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, and your date of birth. Another common scam is to trick people during the Medicare enrollment period. Someone may call you on the phone asking for your Social Security number to see if they can help you find a better Medicare plan for you. If you were not expecting these calls, do not give out the information.
While Social Security fraud may seem like something that could happen to you, there are several things that you can do to prevent it:
- If you receive a phone call from someone from the Social Security Administration, ask them to send the information via mail.
- If a person who claims to be a representative from an insurance company calls and would like to assist you in changing Medicare plans, simply ask what company they work for. Then, look up the companies phone number and call them back. That way, you can be sure you are talking to a true representative of the company.
- Do not ever tell anyone your Social Security number if you do not have to. If they do not know it, you are much less likely to have Social Security fraud committed against you.
- If you ever receive any phone calls, letters or emails that look suspicious call the Social Security Administration. They will be more than happy to tell you if it is a legitimate communication or if it is someone out there trying to get your personal information from you.
How do I replace a lost Social Security card?
To replace your lost Social Security card there is a certain order of distinct steps to follow.
Step one is to acquire and complete an “Application for a Social Security Card” – this is form SS-5. When completing this step you will need to be able to prove your identity and age. You are not required to prove citizenship or immigration status when replacing a card because the Social Security Administration already has this information on file.
Note well that the SSA will only accept certain documents to prove your identity. For the document to be accepted it must have your name and other identifying information about you. If you are citizen of the United States, the SSA will accept your driver’s license, state issued non-driver ID card, or a United States passport. If you cannot present these forms of identification, the SSA will attempt to verify your employee ID card, school issued ID card, health insurance card (Note: Medicare cards are not accepted), United States military ID or an adoption decree.
If you are not a citizen of the United States, the Social Security Administration will need to verify your current immigration documents. These documents will be from the Department of Homeland Security and include the following forms: I-551 (with your valid, unexpired foreign passport), I-94 (again, with a valid, unexpired foreign passport) or forms 1766 or 1688B (work permit).
For the most part you can complete the process by mail, but if you live in certain areas you must apply at a Social Security Center near you. Be sure to check if this applies to you before starting the process.
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