How You Can Help Social Security Protect Others
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 19, 2021
Scams have become an unfortunate part of doing business online or via phone. Many people have received a call or voicemail from someone warning them that their Social Security number or benefits are suspended due to suspicious activity. It’s an alarming scam and one we must help people identify so that they do not become the next victim.
We, at Social Security, are serious about protecting the information entrusted to us. In the past year, we’ve posted a series of blogs about how our beneficiaries can protect their information from scammers and what to do when they receive a call from someone pretending to be us.
We are teaming up with other government agencies and organizations to help spread these tips. Most recently, we worked with the Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to create a new fraud prevention placemat to help you avoid Social Security scams. We’ve also worked with the Administration for Community Living and the Office of the Inspector General to develop and publish educational resources to help the public spot these schemes and avoid becoming victims themselves. The resources include a video, factsheets, and materials on how we can protect the elderly from fraud.
These resources are free and easily shareable. You can find the video about how you can help Social Security protect your information on our website. You can download the factsheet Protecting Your Information by visiting the Office of the Inspector General’s website. You can also check out the National Center on Elder Abuse for materials about preventing the financial exploitation of our older citizens.
We believe that knowing how to tell the difference between a scam and a genuine call from Social Security is important. You can help us protect the people you serve. These are some things to remember:
- Don’t answer calls from numbers you don’t recognize.
- Never give out personal information such as your account numbers, passwords, Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, or other identifying information if a call seems suspicious.
- Government employees will not threaten to take away benefits or ask for money or personal information to protect your Social Security card or benefits.
- If you receive a call from someone asking for your Social Security number, bank account number, or credit card information, don’t engage this caller. Instead, hang up and report that information to the Office of Inspector General via their online fraud-reporting form. You should also report these calls to the Federal Trade Commission.
Scammers are hard at work every day. Together, we can help safeguard the American public. Please help us spread the word.
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About the Author
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Comments
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Barbara Y.
Today I received 4 separate calls on my cellphone with a recording saying that my SS number was compromised and that it would be suspended. One I answered, but it was a recording so I didn’t go further. The other three went to voicemail. One was from Sri Lanka, one from Denton Texas, the other 2 United States.
Nancy D.
I just received a voicemail saying my social security was in suspension notice. That they were from the federal crime and investigation dept. and to call 801-418-9250.
Martina
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Steffan J.
Really a big thanks for the information that you have shared.
Alvin M.
I have recieved many calls about credit cards and social security. I just hang up or delete the answering machine. Should I do more?
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Alvin. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. Thanks, again.
C L.
received call: (800) 831-5992
“Dear Citizen, there has been a problem with your social security number, so your social security benefits have been cancelled. press #1 to discuss this…”
L.A.
Hi C Lin. Thanks for checking in with us. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.
mario P.
I keep receiving calls from Marathon Florida 786-625-4410
The message is ” Hello this is an official final notice fro Social Security Administration”
They recommend calling 786-625-4410
I think this is a scam and the constant messages irritating and disturbing, I believe they target seniors like me
It should be investigated and stopped at once
Thank You
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Mario. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. Thanks, again.
essam e.
thank you for your all time protection
Barbara R.
Mr. Thompson also said Ihad to pay $500. to get $%50,000. dollar grant. I thought you didn’t have to pay anything to get a gtant.
John T.
I received one of these calls and knew Social Security would not contact me by phone, so I, immediately, reported it to the Federal Trade Commission. Beware, these calls sound very sincere.