Cases involving improper endorsement of a social security benefit check may arise when a check intended for a particular individual is delivered to, and negotiated by, a person whose name is the same as or similar to that of the intended payee. Before the Modernized Claims System (MCS), these errors occurred in our paper environment; for example, when making a change of address an error populates because of a typo when entering a Social Security Number (SSN). Errors occur for claimants with the same name; for example, a father and son live at the same address with the same name except the son is Jr. and the payment excludes this information.

The difference between a regular check fraud situation and a same or similar name situation is the wrong person received the check who coincidentally has a same or similar name of the intended payee, which may complicate or prevent the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s (Treasury) ability to reclaim the money from the presenting bank.

The section presents different scenarios and likely conclusions; however, not every scenario is listed below. Treasury processes each scenario on a case-by-case basis. When in doubt, submit the case to Treasury for possible reclamation.

A same or similar case may not be apparent until Treasury’s evaluation of the responses on the FMS-1133. Treasury may return a claims disposition notice (CDN) determination of “6B” see “Settlement not recommended and case closed GN 02406.425B. Claimant never lived at or received mail at the check address. If check negotiated by person of same name at check address, there is no legal basis for recovery.” The example scenario in B.1. warrants a “6B” determination.

However, situations may be slightly different, or we may not know why the check certified to an incorrect address (for instance, no recent change of address on the record).

If SSA disagrees with a “6B” determination return on the CDN,

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  return the package to Treasury with an explanation;

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  request another review;

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  ask Treasury to reexamine the signature;

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  explain that we do not know why the check has the wrong address or what the special circumstances are that warrants review; and

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  return the package to the following address:

  U.S. Department of the Treasury
  Bureau of the Fiscal Service
  National Payment Integrity and Resolution Center
  P.O. Box 51317
  Philadelphia, PA 19115-6317

IMPORTANT: You must explain the situation clearly and completely so that Treasury has all the information needed to reconsider the case.

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  GN 02406.232B.1 Same/Similar Name Cases

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  GN 02406.425B DT Case Action Codes - Claims Disposition Notices (CDN)