How to Spot an Imposter Social Security Social Media Account
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: February 29, 2024
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 also create imposter social media pages of Social Security and OIG officials, such as the Commissioner or the Inspector General.
Protect your personally identifiable information
We will never ask for sensitive information through social media as these channels are not secure. Sometimes, users are asked to enter their financial information, Social Security number (SSN), or other sensitive information. This is a red flag, and often an indication of a fraudulent account.
How to spot a fake social media account
Identifying an imposter account may seem difficult at first, but there are a few things you can look for right away. You will want to focus on the following:
- How many people follow the imposter page. In most cases, fake pages have a very low number of followers as compared to Social Security’s official page.
- Improper punctuation.
- Links to pages not on SSA.gov.
- Advertisements for forms or other Social Security documents.
- Incorrect social media handle. To view the list of our official social media channels, we encourage you to visit our Social Media webpage.
Please report suspected Social Security imposter scams — and other Social Security fraud — to the OIG’s website. You can find more information about scams on our webpage, Protect Yourself from Scams.
Please share this information with your friends, family, and colleagues to help spread awareness about Social Security imposter scams.
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Tags: data privacy, fraud, scams, social security
See CommentsAbout the Author
Dawn Bystry, Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
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Darshelle J.
That’s a lot because some social media platforms fail to authenticate with their blue ✔️
Rahim
I went through your blog, and it is quite interesting, would really like to see more such blogs with amazing content and information. Keep sharing more such blogs.
Sandy S.
WHEN, as in AGREED by the social security administration, the Courts and Congress are y’all going to start REMOVING AND CLEARING THE 2020 Overpayment Payment Center Cases? Please start with REMOVING AND CLEARING THE NON RECIPIENTS first please.
Riyajohnson
I thank you for these helpful guidelines on spotting phoney Social Security accounts on social media! We must continue to be aware and watchful in order to defend ourselves from potential online scammers.
Crystal B.
Thanks for your feedback! Your thoughts are important to us and we’re pleased when feedback is positive. We try hard to provide the best possible service to our customers and your satisfaction is our reward.
Sue T.
I am so aggravated about this. I totally believed because they were more movie stars. I definitely won’t believe these liars and scamming. I’m a smart person, but I will always get around it now. I felt she meant that. She said mom it wasn’t your fault. I got out of Facebook and messenger. It’s a shame you can’t even trust about nice people I thought. It was the second time. I gave my payment. I can’t afford it and it’s nervel.
Sue T.
I am so aggravated about this. I totally believed because they were more movie stars. I definitely won’t believe these liars and scamming. I’m a smart person, but I will always get around it now. I felt she meant that. She said mom it wasn’t your fault. I got out of Facebook and messenger. It’s a shame you can’t even trust about nice people I thought.