Inspector General Warns About New Social Security Benefit Suspension Scam
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: February 21, 2023
Today, I am warning the public about fraudulent letters threatening suspension of Social Security benefits due to COVID-19 or coronavirus-related office closures. Social Security will not suspend or discontinue benefits because their offices are closed.
The Social Security Office of the Inspector General has received reports that Social Security beneficiaries have received letters through the U.S. Mail stating their payments will be suspended or discontinued unless they call a phone number referenced in the letter. Scammers may then mislead beneficiaries into providing personal information or payment via retail gift cards, wire transfers, internet currency, or by mailing cash, to maintain regular benefit payments during this period of COVID-19 office closures.
As of Tuesday, March 17, 2020, local Social Security offices are closed to the public due to COVID-19 concerns. However, Social Security employees continue to work. Social Security will not suspend or decrease Social Security benefit payments or Supplemental Security Income payments due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Any communication you receive that says Social Security will do so is a scam, whether you receive it by letter, text, email, or phone call.
Social Security will never:
- Threaten you with benefit suspension, arrest, or other legal action unless you pay a fine or fee.
- Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
- Require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card.
- Demand secrecy from you in handling a Social Security-related problem.
- Send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email.
If you receive a letter, text, call or email that you believe to be suspicious, about an alleged problem with your Social Security number, account, or payments, hang up or do not respond. We encourage you to report Social Security scams using our dedicated online form. Please share this information with your friends and family, to help spread awareness about Social Security scams.
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Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for Social Security
Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for Social Security
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lisa
well said!
Milton
How will seniors know when the check is deposited?
Cesar M.
I been missing 2 payments since February several SSA employees had told me in person or on the phone I’ll get the missing Payments within weeks but nothing happens.My Medicare coverage is because I get SSA payments I am depleting my savings and down to 3 weeks of money,I can try to borrow but I can not lose Medicare since my medical condition is cronical without it I’ll get sick.I hope the Inspector General of SSA Gail S Ennis could read my plea
Vonda V.
Hi Cesar. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information.
Renzo A.
When will the stimulus check be reaching our bank account???
Beth
I am married and my husband is on social security disability and i am on SSI, he received his SSA but i have never received one. Will i still receive the stimulus check?
Beth
It wouldn’t let me post without it I’m sorry it won’t let me remove it if I do my comment will not post. Will you be so kind to let me know how I remove it. Thank you
Rodney B.
Thought you didn’t publish email addresses would appreciate if you took it down thanks Rod Boggs
Johnny W.
I just wondering if it’s legit that as of yesterday that they will no longer collect overpayment since offices closed the 16th and 17th, or suspending benefits do to overpayments. I hope to God this is true especially been fighting thermal illnesses and other health conditions since 2003 which I did agree to pay back about 300.00 month which I get ssdi. They sent the letter out on the 9th which they expect you to receive the letter around 5 days which I didn’t receive it till the 27 of March.
Vonda V.
Hi Johnny. Where possible, we are suspending our processing and collection of overpayments. Subscribe and stay up to date with the latest Social Security information on Coronavirus (COVID-19).
john
if have a directexpress card your money will go right on there no need to do nothing i was told by ssi
Knowles P.
Vet, Combat Medic!
im hungry right now