COVID-19, Frauds & Scams

Inspector General Warns About New Social Security Benefit Suspension Scam

March 27, 2020 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last 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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About the Author

Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for Social Security

Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for Social Security

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Comments

  1. Charles A.

    Still no stimulus I’m on SSI will it come with my SSI check Direct Express on May 1st?

  2. Betty m.

    I’m on SSI disable and I have a payee but I also have a checking account, woul I get my check though my payee or .y bank accounts? Also would our payee gives us all the slimulu check, ?

  3. Timmy B.

    Im on social security disability havent received nothing or will it be on the 1st when i get my disability check or will the stimlas check come with my disability check around the end of april

  4. L r.

    Rich people, i e friends are getting or stimulus check and I thought the people on social security or lesser incomes we’re going to get it first. I still have not received the first stimulus and Congress already signing second stimulus

    • Betty A.

      I’m on SSI, but haven’t received a stimulus check yet. Will I even get one? I haven’t filed taxes cause I haven’t maid enough to file, No one can claim me, & I don’t have any kids. Will you please answer? My checks go direct deposit into my bank.

      • V.V.

        Hi Betty, thank you for your question. Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who do not have qualifying children under age 17 do not need to take any action with the IRS. You will automatically receive your $1,200 economic impact payment directly from the IRS. You should receive the automatic payments by direct deposit, Direct Express debit card, or by paper check, just as you would normally receive your Social Security benefits. Treasury expects automatic payments for Social Security beneficiaries no later than the end of April and automatic payments for SSI recipients no later than early May. We hope this helps.

  5. Michelle G.

    I havemt received corona virus payment and the get my payment isnt working for those who receive ssi how will i know if im getting it and how much

  6. Michelle G.

    My son who is 17 recieves ssi but im his repayee and im also on ssi will he receive 1200

  7. Patricia C.

    I receive Social security Disability in Direct Deposit didn’t receive a 1099 form and moved but put in a change of address when I moved would I ha.ve a problem recieveing my stimulas check

  8. Will

    Will SSB regular payment be received in addition to the stimulus payment ?….or will the stimulus payment replace the regular SSB for that month?

  9. Will

    Will SSB regular payment be received along with the stimulus payment? Or will the stimulus payment substitute the SSB regular payment for that month?

  10. MarioG

    So since I receive widowers benefit for which I received a SSA-1099 form for, and I am also on SSI which one is it ? Should I look for the check at the end of April or the beginning of May. I get dd from each of these once a month to the same account.

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