As widespread Social Security scams seem to be increasing, Social Security has acted by establishing anti-fraud units.
If you call a Social Security office you likely hear a pre-recorded message warning about a new phone scam where people call an unsuspecting person and inform that their Social Security number has been suspended, which is an attempt to get personal information from the target. This is just a variation of other types of scams over the years in attempting people to turnover their Social Security numbers or bank account information and now Social Security is stepping up its efforts to combat fraud.
In a news release from Social Security, Commissioner Andrew Saul said the Office of Inspector General (OIG) would expand its use of the Disability Investigations Program (CDI) to determine fraud before benefits are paid out in an increased effort to stamp out scams and fraud.
“Social Security has zero tolerance for fraud and we are committed to detecting and preventing it. Our CDI Program serves a vital role in that commitment,” Saul said. “We diligently work at the national and local levels to stop fraud and carry out our mission of delivering quality Social Security services to the public.”
About the CDI Program
The CDI Program consists of 46 units covering 40 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. Social Security and OIG have opened several units in the last few years as they work together to provide CDI coverage for all 50 states by 2022. Since 1997, when Social Security and OIG established CDI, its efforts have contributed to $4 billion in projected savings to Social Security’s programs, and $3 billion in projected savings to other Federal and State programs. For more information, please visit the OIG website and Social Security’s anti-fraud website at www.socialsecurity.gov/antifraudfacts/.
