The SSA Does Not Investigate Identity Theft
If someone steals or misuses your Social Security number (SSN), which is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA), does the SSA ever get involved in investigating the crime?
The answer is no. The SSA does not investigate ID theft, and they have no authority or budget to do so. So it’s a waste of time to contact them (unless your card was stolen and you need a replacement).
Now, if you’re a victim of Social Security benefit fraud or benefit checks are being stolen, that is in their jurisdiction and they will likely investigate. The part of the SSA that would get involved in that is the Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
If your Social Security card was lost or stolen, you should get a replacement. It can take quite a bit of time, so don’t wait until you need the card to take the step. The SSA website has instructions to help you out.
Now you may be wondering who will or should investigate your identity theft. The answer is “it depends.” But you can and should report it to the local law enforcement authorities where you live or where the crime happened. The local police really should take a report and make at least an attempt to investigate. But if they don’t, you can try the sheriff or state police.
