Social Security Fraud; Taxes, Other Benefits Filed Under Fraudulent Social Security Numbers Without Death Records
According to the Social Security Administration, there are 6.5 million Americans who reached the incredible old age of 112.
This occurs, in the majority of cases, because there are no extant death records for the social security numbers attached to some of the first people to receive such numbers, including someone born as early as 1869. The Social Security Administration began assigning social security numbers to US residents in the 1935, with the first Social Security Retirement Insurance check paid in 1940.
The SSA noted that although most of the outdated social security numbers are not being used for any type of fraudulent activity, if no proper record is on file to close that account, the potential exists for Social Security Insurance, Disability, or tax fraud. The SSA has maintained a “Death Master File” of people’s social security numbers with their birth and death dates, in order to notify credit agencies, financial firms, and employers, among others.
Correcting the list is complicated and time-consuming for the Social Security Administration, but it would help prevent tax fraud, social security disability fraud, and identity theft in some cases. According to the SSA, nearly 67,000 social security numbers were stolen and used to report $3 billion in wages, tips, and self-employment income between 2006 and 2011. One social security number was used 613 times for various types of fraud. Another 194 social security numbers were used more than 50 times.
Thieves often use stolen social security numbers to steal tax refunds; illegal immigrants also take fraudulent social security numbers and use them to secure a job and report their wages.
Social security number fraud can also, more rarely, be used to take out Social Security Retirement or Social Security Disability benefits that do not belong to the receiver. If your social security number has been stolen and used for SSI or SSDI fraud.
Applying for Social Security Disability and Avoiding Social Security Fraud in South Carolina
If you believe that your social security number has been stolen and misused for tax fraud or Social Security Disability or Retirement fraud, then you should immediately contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
You may discover this fraud in the worst possible way. If someone else has already taken out your Social Security Disability benefits and you find yourself disabled and unable to work, you may be accused of social security fraud and be unable to receive your benefits.
To help you through the complicated Social Security Disability application process, contact a disability benefits attorney today. A South Carolina disability benefits attorney can help you navigate the application and appeals process. Over 60% of first-time Social Security Disability applications are denied, so finding the right attorney to help you appeal the ruling can make the difference in receiving your benefits in a timely fashion.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Social Security Disability Applications
If you have been disabled, whether temporarily or permanently, and are unable to work for at least a year, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. The South Carolina disability benefits attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help you apply. We offer free consultations to discuss your case, so contact us today for help. 803.252.4800
