Frauds & Scams
Social Security and Scam Awareness
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Social Security imposter scams continue to be widespread across the United States. Scammers use targeted, sophisticated tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. If you receive a suspicious letter, text, email, or call, do not respond. We want you to know how to identify a scammer and avoid becoming a victim. Did […]
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Stay Alert: Fraudsters Target Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members, and Their Families
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Did you know that fraudsters target veterans, active-duty service members, and their families at a higher rate than they do civilians? They are also 40% more likely than their civilian counterparts to lose money to scams and schemes. Why? Fraudsters follow the money. Service members receive a steady paycheck, and many veterans receive regular benefit […]
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Protecting Your Retirement Money
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World Investor Week, which kicks off October 2, is a great opportunity for investors to learn how to avoid scams. It’s particularly important for those planning their retirement to learn how to protect their hard-earned retirement money against fraud. The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Office of Investor Education and Advocacy provides online resources to […]
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Combating Injustice
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The COVID-19 pandemic may have led us to focus more on ourselves – and forget about checking in with others. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day reminds us about the importance of staying in touch with older persons. Elder abuse is the intentional mistreatment or harming of an older person. An older person is defined by […]
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Minimizing the Risk of Scams for People Living with Dementia
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Financial crime against older Americans is a growing problem. People living with dementia are at an especially high risk of becoming victims of fraud and financial abuse. That’s why we’re grateful for Social Security’s unwavering commitment to combatting fraud. As their memory and other thinking skills decline, people with dementia may struggle to make financial […]
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Slam the Scam: Keep Your Personal Information Safe
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Do you know how to spot a government imposter scam? Knowing how to identify potential scammers will help safeguard your personal information. There are common elements to many of these scams. Scammers often exploit fears and threaten you with arrest or legal action. Scammers also pose as Social Security or other government employees and claim […]
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Social Security and OIG Hold Annual Slam the Scam Day
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Social Security scams are an ongoing government imposter fraud scheme. We continue to raise public awareness about Social Security imposter scams during the fourth annual “Slam the Scam” Day on March 9. For several years, Social Security impersonation scams have been one of the most common government imposter scams reported to the Federal Trade Commission. […]
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How We Protect You from Misleading Advertising and Communications
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At the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), we work together with Social Security to protect you from scams that use Social Security as bait. Section 1140 of the Social Security Act allows OIG to impose penalties against anyone who engages in misleading Social Security-related advertising or imposter communications. For example, we may impose a […]
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10 Ways to Protect Your Personal Information
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Identity theft affects millions of people each year and can cause serious harm. Protect yourself by securing your personal information, understanding the threat of identity theft, and exercising caution. Here are 10 things you can start doing now to protect yourself and your loved ones from identity theft: Protect your Social Security number by […]
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Helping You Avoid Scams this Holiday Season
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Social Security-related scams continue to be widespread, especially during the holidays. Criminals pretending to be from Social Security and other federal government agencies are tricking victims into sending money or sharing personal information. The scam tactics and scripts may vary, but the ultimate goal is to pressure victims to send money using methods such as […]
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