Social Security Fraud Reporting Form

Email Text Messages & Social Media

NYS DOL uses emails, text messages and social media to communicate with claimants throughout the application process and benefit period. Some fraudsters are posing as NYS DOL through fraudulent emails, text messages, and social media accounts to prey on New Yorkers who need assistance. Refer to the following tips about communication from NYS DOL.

Email

NYS DOL uses email to provide updates, allow claimants to certify for backdated benefits, provide reemployment services, and more. To avoid becoming a victim of fraud, double-check the email address from all emails you receive. If an email appears fraudulent, it may be look out for misspellings, suspicious links and unusual messaging. If you are unsure if an email is from us, reach out to NYS DOL to confirm.

Find out more about DocuSign emails from NYS DOL.

Text Messages

NYS DOL uses text messages to provide updates and allow claimants to certify for backdated benefits.

Text messages from NYS DOL will only come via DocuSign or from the numbers 697365 or 22751.

Watch out for SMShing attempts where fraudsters use text messages to lure you into calling back a fraudulent phone number, visiting fraudulent websites, or downloading malicious content via phone or web.

Find out more about DocuSign text messages from NYS DOL.

Social MediaNYS DOL uses social media to provide updates and answer questions.

The only verified social media accounts associated with NYS DOL are the following:

• YouTube: youtube.com/nyslabor

Reporting A Social Security Disability Fraud

Social Security Disability Insurance is a great program providing benefits to people who have suffered from a severe medical condition due to which they have become unable to resume their job. If you have been employed and paid your income tax, this means you have made payments for SSDI converge. However, sometimes people try to fabricate their medical condition, and opt for fraudulent ways to collect SSD benefits. Because of this, people who are eligible and in dire need of this monetary support usually suffer and are deprived of their right to receive said support.

Determining whether a person is being unfair and taking advantage of the system is often difficult, and sometimes leads to false accusation. It is imperative that before you report someone of an alleged fraud, you thoroughly investigate the matter and have solid evidence backing as to how they are tricking the SSA.

Examples of SSDI Fraud

Several different ways have been discovered of SSD fraud up till now. Here are some common examples to help you understand what constitutes as a scam:

Reporting SSDI Fraud

It is advisable you provide as much information about that person, such as name, address, birth date, phone number, and Social Security number. Moreover, explain how the person is committing fraud, names of other people who may be aware of their scheme, and an estimate of the time since they have claiming these benefits.

Unemployment Identity Fraud Is On The Rise

Unemployment identity fraud happens when criminals use other peoples information to illegally receive unemployment benefits and its increasingly common. Sometimes criminals use stolen personal information to illegally log into a persons unemployment account and steal the unemployment benefit payments intended for the real claimant. This is known as Claim Hijacking or Claim/Account Takeover.

Many people who experience unemployment identity fraud only find out when they get something in the mail, like a notice from a state unemployment agency or a state-issued 1099-G tax form reporting unemployment benefits that they never requested or received. People filing for unemployment may become aware of Claim Hijacking or Claim/Account Takeover when they unexpectedly stop receiving unemployment benefit payments and notice that the bank account or address information on their unemployment claim was changed without their knowledge.

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What To Do If You Receive A Debit Card You Did Not Apply For:

Constituents who have received a Bank of America card in error should not activate the card. To aid DETRs internal investigation operations and prevent a fraudulent expenditure of unemployment funds, any person who erroneously receives a Bank of America Card should:

Visit www.detr.nv.gov and select the Unemployment Fraud tab on the left side of the page under Quick links. Once on the DETR fraud page, select Report Fraud to DETR located under ” I want to ..” When completing DETR’s online fraud report, filers can list the names on the cards and upload a picture of the Bank of America card, that includes the 16-digit number on the front of the debit card, the expiration date, and the individuals name, along with their phone number. Once you upload the card information and submit the fraud report, you can destroy the cards. DETR will flag the account so payments are not issued. If needed, the Department may reach out for additional information.

Individuals can also visit the Way2Go Card site at or call 542-1115 for more information about the debit card.

Irs Information For Taxpayers

When you file your income taxes, ONLY include income you received, even if you have not yet received a corrected 1099-G from the state.

• The processing of your tax return should not be delayed while your report of unemployment identity theft is under investigation.
• Do not report the incorrect 1099-G income on your tax return.
• The American Rescue Plan of 2021 provides for a one-time exemption of $10,200 per person in unemployment benefits to individuals and couples who earned $150,000 or less in 2020. If you have already filed your taxes, do not file an amended return. See Tax Treatment of 2020 Unemployment Compensation for more information.
• There is no requirement to file a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. A Form 14039 should be filed only if the taxpayers’ e-filed tax return is rejected because a duplicate return with their Social Security number is already on file or if the IRS instructs them to file a Form 14039.
• Taxpayers who were victims of an unemployment benefits identity theft scheme should consider opting into the IRS Identity Protection PIN program. An IP PIN is a six-digit number that helps prevent thieves from filing federal tax returns in the names of identity theft victims. The IP PIN is a voluntary program open to any taxpayer who can verify his or her identity. See details at Get an IP PIN.

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General Steps To Protect Yourself Against Unemployment Scams:

NOTE: DETR may need to call you. If you file a claim, save the following unemployment phone numbers to your phone so you know youre receiving a legitimate call from DETR:

• 702-486-0185 and

Should we need to contact you directly, we will ask you for some personal identification information in order to verify your identity.

If You Suspect Illegal Activity

Report suspected fraud, waste or abuse involving Texas Health and Human Services programs either online or by calling our toll-free fraud hotline . The OIG investigates incidents involving:

• Clients enrolled in assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, WIC and/or CHIP.
• People or businesses offering goods or services to clients enrolled in a Texas HHS program .
• Abuse, neglect or exploitation of residents of a State Hospital, State Supported Living Center or residential assisted care facility.
• Improper actions by a State of Texas employee or contractor associated with Texas HHS.
• The abuse of prescription medications within Texas.
• Additional concerns about the administration and operation of Texas HHS programs.

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Social Security Administration Oig

If you are a Social Security Administration employee, or an employee of an SSA contractor or grantee, and you suspect fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement in SSA programs or operations, or reprisal against you for reporting wrongdoing, you may report that to the Social Security Fraud Hotline. You may find more whistleblower information at .

The SSA Office of the Inspector General investigates many types of Social Security-related fraud, including

Social Security-related scams making false statements or facilitating fraud in applying for Social Security benefitsconcealing work activity while receiving disability benefitsreceiving Social Security benefits for a child not under the recipients carereceiving and using a deceased persons Social Security benefitsconcealing a marriage or assets while receiving Supplemental Security Incomeresiding overseas while receiving Supplemental Security Incomemisusing benefits when acting as a representative payeeSSA employee or contract and procurement fraud

The following matters are generally NOT investigated by the SSA OIG:

911 emergenciesMedicare or Medicaid fraud Lost or stolen Social Security cards Identity theft that is not related to Social Security benefits or programs Misuse of Social Security numbers on tax returns Direct Express® account fraud

Report Fraud As An Individual:

How to report fraud as an individual

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You May Be A Victim Of Unemployment Identity Theft If You Received:

• Mail from a government agency about an unemployment claim or payment and you did not recently file for unemployment benefits. This includes unexpected payments or debit cards and could be from any state.
• An IRS Form 1099-G reflecting unemployment benefits you weren’t expecting. Box 1 on this form may show unemployment benefits you did not receive or an amount that exceeds your records for the unemployment benefits you did receive. The form itself may be from a state in which you did not file for benefits.
• While you are still employed, a notice from your employer indicating that your employer received a request for information about an unemployment claim in your name.

Irs Information For Employers

Employers are often the first line of defense against unemployment fraud. Employers should:

• Respond quickly to state notices that its employees have filed for unemployment claims, especially if the names on the notices are not employees
• Be alert to misuse of the IRS-issued Employer Identification Number that fraudsters may use to file jobless claims
• File a Form 14039-BPDF, Business Identity Theft Affidavit, if the companys EIN is being used to generate fraudulent unemployment benefit claims.
• Write to the IRS to close out the business tax account if the company is going out of business this will help curtail the misuse of dormant EINs.

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Types Of Social Security Fraud

The Office of the Inspector General lists 11 types of Social Security fraud, waste and abuse. Learn more about them here, as well as how to report fraud when you see it.

1. Making false statements on claims

What it is: When you apply for Social Security benefits and give information you know is untrue.

Example: You say you have no source of income, but you do.

2. Hiding facts or events

What it is: When you conceal facts that affect eligibility for benefits.

Example: You neglect to say youre in prison.

3. Misuse of benefits by a representative

What it is: When you represent a family member or friend who is unable to manage his benefits, then spend those funds for unintended purposes.

Example: You cash the beneficiarys check to take a trip to Hawaii.

4. Buying or selling fake or real Social Security cards

What it is: Like it soundswhen you buy or sell bogus or genuine Social Security cards.

Example: You find someones Social Security card and you sell it to someone who might use it for identity theft.

5. Crimes involving SSA employees

What it is: When you work for the SAA and sell Social Security cards or steal checks. Also, when you help someone else to.

Example: You steal a beneficiarys check and cash it.

6. Impersonation of a Social Security Administration employee

What it is: You pretend to be an SSA employeein person, online or on the phonein an effort to steal someones money or identity.

7. Bribery of an SSA employee

8. Misusing grant or contracting funds

Reporting Unemployment Identity Fraud

*Note: This information is specifically for unemployment identity fraud. Report other types of unemployment fraud, including claimant eligibility fraud or employer fraud, at our Report Unemployment Fraud page.

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Measures You Can Take To Prevent Identity Theft

Identity theft happens when a person illegally uses your personal information to commit fraud. Someone illegally using your SSN and assuming your identity can cause a lot of problems. But there are several things you should do to prevent identity theft:

• Do not routinely carry your SSN.
• Never say your SSN aloud in public.
• Beware of phishing scams trying to trick you into revealing personal information.
• Create a personal account to help you keep track of your records and identify any suspicious activity.
• Consider adding these blocks to your account with us:
• The eServices block This prevents anyone, including you, from seeing or changing your personal information on the internet. Once we add the block, you or your representative will need to contact your local office to request removal of the block.
• The Direct Deposit Fraud Prevention block This prevents anyone, including you, from enrolling in direct deposit or changing your address or direct deposit information through or a financial institution . Once we add the block, you or your representative will need to contact your local office to request removal of the block. You will need to do the same to make any future changes to direct deposit or contact information.

Social Security Fraud Misuse Or Impersonation

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Unemployment Fraud In Nevada:

The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation is committed to preventing and identifying fraud or fraudulent scams. We encourage Nevadans to remain vigilant and to report fraud or any potential concerns of fraud to DETR.

In April of this year, DETR joined the Nevada COVID-19 Task Force. The Task Force, formed by Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford and U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich, is comprised of local, state and federal investigators and prosecutors with significant experience in handling multiple types of fraud complaints and cases related to cybercrime and unemployment insurance among others. DETR is working with local law enforcement, the Attorney General’s COVID-19 Fraud Task Force and the Department of Labor to detect, prevent and address fraud.

In Nevada, unemployment fraud is considered a felony and the State will be following up on fraudulent claims up to and including prosecution and other civil remedies afforded under the law.

Reporting fraud in Nevada is done online by using the States Fraud Reporting Form which can be utilized by individuals and employers alike. Filers are encouraged to file a report and upload supporting information for their report to the State. Additional information explaining the steps individuals and employers can take should they believe a fraudulent claim has been filed can be found on the States fraud flyer

Ways To Report Social Security Fraud

What do you do if you witness or suspect Social Security fraud? Report it. Here are four ways:

In fiscal year 2015, the Office of the Inspector General received 89,000 allegations through the fraud hotline.

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