Types of Fraud

• There are different ways individuals attempt to commit disability fraud. According to the Justice Department the most common methods are providing false or misleading information on applications, using false Social Security numbers to receive benefits, not reporting new monthly income, making false statements regarding the extent of an injury, not reporting the death of a beneficiary, and misappropriating the benefits of a beneficiary.
  
  

Penalties for Fraud

• Section 208 of The United States Code § 408 provides penalties for committing Social Security fraud. According to the code providing false information to the Social Security Administration may result in a fine of up to $250,000 and imprisonment up to five years. The code also makes repayment of all fraudulently received benefits mandatory.
  
  

Reporting Fraud

• If you suspect someone of committing Social Security fraud you can report them by filling out a fraud reporting form online, faxing the information to your local Social Security field office, calling the Social Security Administration directly, or mailing the information to the Social Security Fraud Hotline located in Baltimore, Maryland.