how can a lawyer help with a social security scam

Yes, it is important to have an experienced government attorney helping with any Social Security fraud issues. An attorney that specializes in civil lawsuits involving fraud may be especially helpful. You may be able to recoup losses incurred as a result of identity theft.

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What to do if you are accused of Social Security benefit fraud?

Jul 14, 2021 · Yes, it is important to have an experienced government attorney helping with any Social Security fraud issues. An attorney that specializes in civil lawsuits involving fraud may be especially helpful. You may be able to recoup losses incurred as a result of identity theft.

What to watch for when dealing with a social security scam?

Report the scam to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). If you receive a call, text, or email that you believe to be suspicious, about a problem with your Social Security number or account, do not respond or engage with the caller or sender. Report Social Security phone, email, and text scams through our dedicated online form.

Is it a scam to get a letter from Social Security?

Jan 22, 2013 · If you are facing charges on Social Security fraud, you should not try to hide from the government. Avoiding your charges could be more disastrous than facing them. Instead, seek the help of an experienced attorney who will aggressively defend your rights.

What should I do if I receive a scam call?

Mar 30, 2018 · The bigger the pool of taxpayer money, the bigger the magnet it is for fraudsters. And there is not much that is bigger than the $2.8 trillion Social Security trust …

What do I do if my Social Security number has been compromised?

If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).

How do I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?

If you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490. You can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).Nov 19, 2019

Does Social Security call you if your number has been compromised?

It's also important to know that the SSA will never call you about a problem with your Social Security number or email or text photos purporting to be official identification, said Social Security Inspector General Gail Ennis.Mar 4, 2021

Can you put a freeze on your Social Security number?

Freezing Your Social Security Number First, you'll need to create an account on E-Verify, which is managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Once you do, follow the prompts to freeze your SSN. Then, file a police report. Immediately after freezing, contact the authorities.Aug 2, 2021

What if my SSN is on the dark web?

Report any Social Security number theft. Report the theft of the Social Security number to the IRS (link is external), or you can call 1-800-908-4490.Apr 27, 2021

Can someone use your Social Security number with a different name?

A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, it damages your credit.

How do I stop fake Social Security calls?

You can register your numbers on the national Do Not Call list at no cost by calling 1-888-382-1222 (voice) or 1-866-290-4236 (TTY). You must call from the phone number you wish to register. You can also register at add your personal wireless phone number to the national Do-Not-Call list donotcall.gov.

How do I report a scammer?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the main agency that collects scam reports. Report the scam to the FTC online, or by phone at 1-877-382-4357 (9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, ET).Jan 21, 2022

How do you red flag your Social Security number?

How to put a flag on your social security number or credit reportContact one of the three credit reporting agencies (Transunion, Equifax, or Experian). ... After a few days, check with the other two credit bureaus to verify that they've received the fraud alert as well.More items...•Mar 14, 2022

Can you change your SSN?

The Social Security Administration does allow you to change your number, but only under limited circumstances, such as identity theft or if your safety is in danger. You will also need to supply appropriate documentation to support your application for a new number.May 12, 2021

What does it mean if your name is on the dark web?

If your personal information is spotted on the dark web, it could mean someone took the information without your permission. Criminals steal information in a variety of ways. Some try hacking into accounts or using malware to capture passwords. Others attempt to collect information through phishing scams and SIM swaps.Oct 7, 2019

Where to report a scam on Social Security?

Report the scam to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). If you receive a call, text, or email that you believe to be suspicious, about a problem with your Social Security number or account, do not respond or engage with the caller or sender. Report Social Security phone, email, and text scams through our dedicated online form.

What to do when Social Security calls you?

Social Security may call you in some situations but will never: Threaten you. Suspend your Social Security number. Demand an immediate payment from you. Require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, or wire transfer. Ask for gift card numbers over the phone or to wire or mail cash.

What is a scam call?

Any call, text, or email asking you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash. Scammers pretend they are from Social Security or another government agency. Caller ID, texts, or documents sent by email may look official but they are not.

What is Social Security fraud?

In some cases of Social Security fraud, an individual who oversees a beneficiary’s funds and assets misuses the money for personal benefit. Also, if a beneficiary dies and the recipient of the beneficiary’s money fails to disclose that information to the Social Security Administration, that person is using illegal means to receive government money. ...

What happens if someone steals someone's social security number?

If discovered, he or she could face serious federal charges. Identity theft occurs when a person finds another person’s Social Security number and uses it to receive some sort of benefit. These benefits include any type of monetary advantage. Identity theft is a significant federal crime and could result in serious federal charges ...

What happens if you claim incorrect dependents?

For example, if a person claims an incorrect number of dependents, he or she may receive more money from the government. This would be a case of Social Security fraud, and if discovered, the person could face criminal charges. Duplicating, changing or constructing a counterfeit Social Security card is strictly prohibited.

Is identity theft a federal crime?

Identity theft is a significant federal crime and could result in serious federal charges if not vehemently defended by a social security fraud attorney.

Why do scammers ask for payment?

Scammers ask for payment this way because it’s difficult to trace and recover. 5. Offers to increase benefits in exchange for payment: Similarly, SSA employees will never promise to increase your Social Security benefits, or offer other assistance, in exchange for payment.

What is a fraud prevention placemat?

We’ve worked with the SSA and FTC to create a fraud prevention placemat to help you recognize and prevent Social Security scams. You can order free copies of the placemat, both in English and Spanish, to use at a meal site or to share with friends and family.

What does a caller do when you provide payment?

The caller may threaten arrest or other legal action, or they may offer to increase benefits, protect your assets, or resolve identity theft if you provide payment using a retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency such as Bitcoin, or a pre-paid debit card.

Is Social Security a scam?

Currently, Social Security scams are the most commonly reported type of fraud and scam , and according to the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG), these scams continue to evolve.

What is a fraud on social security?

Fraudulent use of the social security system is a very serious crime that comes with steep penalties including the repayment of benefits, along with fines for providing misleading information that led to the providing of those benefits.

What is a good defense attorney?

A good defense attorney is a start. When we work for you, we can examine any role you may have played, and work toward getting you exonerated or having the charges reduced to those that will carry much less significant consequences. Protecting your future and your freedom is important to our team of defense attorneys.

Can you get convicted of fraud on Social Security?

A conviction for fraud of social security benefits can be extremely damaging, especially when you want to qualify for benefits later, or if you become unable to work and apply for social security.

A message from Social Security

We are committed to preventing, detecting, and eliminating fraud in our programs.

What is Social Security fraud?

Fraud involves obtaining something of value through willful misrepresentation. In the context of our programs, fraud exists when a person with intent to defraud makes, or causes to be made, a false statement, or misrepresents, conceals, or fails to disclose a material fact for use in determining rights under the Social Security Act.

Scammers commit fraud

We use emails, text messages, and social media to provide information on our programs and services. However, we will not request personal or financial information through these methods. Sometimes, we send emails with information that are particular to your needs, usually after a discussion with you in person or over the phone.

Social Security combats fraud

Social Security has zero tolerance for fraud. We diligently work at the national, regional, and local level to combat fraud that undermines our mission to serve the American public.

Protect yourself from identity theft

Read OIG's Protecting Personal Information for their 10 Tips to Protect Personal Information and several actions to take if you suspect identity theft.

How to report fraud

Do you suspect someone of committing fraud, waste, or abuse against Social Security? You can contact the OIG’s fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or submit a report online at https://oig.ssa.gov/.

What is the number to call for SSA fraud?

Social Security Fraud, Misuse, or Impersonation. Or call 1-800-269-0271. SSA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) reviews all reports that are filed. SSA OIG cannot provide you with information about actions taken on any reports.

Can SSA OIG provide information?

SSA OIG cannot provide you with information about actions taken on any reports. Federal regulations do not allow information in law enforcement records to be shared, even with the person who made the report. Representative Payee Interdisciplinary Training. When people need help managing their money.