Frauds & Scams
SSA Talks: Recognize and Report Scams
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The newest episode of SSA Talks features Kate Kleinert, a widow living near Philadelphia. As a warning to others, she shares her story of losing the last of her life savings – $39,000 – in a romance scam. The episode includes advice from Rebecca Rose, a senior public affairs specialist with Social Security’s Office of […]
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The days are getting shorter, the temperatures are pleasant, and the fall foliage is beautiful. This is also the time of year when scammers are ramping up their tricks and tactics. As we prepare to set our clocks back an hour this weekend, don’t “fall back” into bad habits and let your guard down. Scammers […]
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What You Can Do To Protect Your Personal Information
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Note: The Social Security Administration is providing the below information as a public service following reports of a data breach that is unrelated to SSA’s internal systems and data, neither of which has been compromised. With various reports of data breaches involving Social Security numbers in the media, we’d like to remind you about the […]
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Inspector General’s Office Warns: Hybrid Scams on the Rise
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Scammers are compounding tactics by using fake Amazon or PayPal tech support emails and text messages to get you to connect with an imposter Social Security Administration (SSA) employee who will try to convince you that your Social Security number (SSN) or record is compromised. The email or text message claims that something is wrong […]
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Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General Releases Scam Report to Congress
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Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) recently released its quarterly Scam Report to Congress. The report provides information about scam trends in the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2024 (January 1 — March 31, 2024). “As public servants, we must use every tool at our disposal to raise awareness and protect the American […]
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Protect Your Online Identity With Strong Passwords
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World Password Day is an annual event dedicated to promoting awareness about the importance of strong password security practices. On May 2, people and organizations all over the world will work to encourage better password habits to keep our online data and accounts safe and secure. Here are some tips to help make sure your […]
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Social Security’s Top 5 Scam Awareness Articles
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Did you join us for Slam the Scam Day earlier this month? If so, you know how important it is to raise awareness about scams. That’s why we want you to have all the information you need to protect yourself. Check out our top 5 scam awareness articles below: We work with our Office of […]
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Social Security and OIG Hold 5th Annual National Slam the Scam Day
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The Social Security Administration and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) are partnering once again to raise public awareness about Social Security imposter scams during their fifth annual “Slam the Scam” Day on March 7. “As public servants, we must use every tool at our disposal to raise awareness and protect the American people […]
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How to Spot an Imposter Social Security Social Media Account
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Do you know how to spot fake Social Security social media accounts? The tips below will help you protect yourself and your family. How fraudsters create imposter accounts Fraudsters create imposter social media pages and accounts using Social Security-related images and jargon, making them appear as if they’re associated with or endorsed by us. They […]
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Protecting Yourself from QR Code Fraud
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Quick Response codes, better known as QR codes, are a very popular way to get information. QR codes are scannable barcodes that will direct you to a website. There are many legitimate and helpful uses for QR codes, from paying for parking to viewing a restaurant menu. But since scammers often use QR codes to carry […]
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