Inspector General Warns Public about Widespread Social Security Scam Texts
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 19, 2021
The Inspector General of Social Security, Gail S. Ennis, is warning of a new tactic by government imposters to reach — and victimize — Americans by phone. We have received reports of text messages on cell phones that appear to come from Social Security. The texts warn about a Social Security number problem. They ask the recipient to call a number back to resolve the problem and avoid legal action.
This trick appears to be the latest development in continuing widespread scams meant to deceive Americans into providing money and personal information to scammers. Social Security will never send a text asking for a return call to an unknown number. Social Security will only send text messages if you have opted in to receive texts from the agency and only in limited situations, including the following:
- When you have requested or subscribed to receive updates and notifications from Social Security by text.
- As part of Social Security’s enhanced security when accessing your personal my Social Security account.
Our office wants you to know Social Security will never:
- Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee.
- Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
- Require payment by retail gift card, wire transfer, internet currency, or by mailing cash.
- Send official letters or reports containing your personal information via email.
If you owe money to Social Security, the agency will mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights. You should never pay a government fee or fine using retail gift cards, cash, internet currency, wire transfers, or pre-paid debit cards.
Inspector General Ennis has designated this Thursday, March 5, 2020, as National “Slam the Scam” Day to educate every American about these sinister scams. You can learn more at https://oig.ssa.gov/scam. Join Inspector General Ennis and Monica Vaca, Associate Director, Consumer Response and Operations at the Federal Trade Commission, for a special joint Facebook Live. It’s called “Slam the Scam: That call is not from Social Security,” and starts at 7:00 p.m. ET. Join us and stay ahead of the scammers by hearing directly from the experts.
Inspector General Ennis urges the public to be very cautious when receiving unsolicited calls from any purported government agency, and to discuss any major financial decision only with trusted family members or friends.
If you receive a call, text, or email that you believe to be suspicious about a problem with your Social Security number or account, do not respond or engage with the caller or sender. Report these Social Security scams through our dedicated online form at https://oig.ssa.gov. Please share scam awareness information with friends and family to help them avoid becoming victims.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: fraud, social security
See CommentsAbout the Author
Tracy Lynge, Communications Director for the Office of the Inspector General
About Tracy Lynge, Communications Director for the Office of the Inspector General
Comments
Comments are closed.
Carolyn B.
I received a text message that states the following: :You have a new message at mySocial Security in the Message Center. Log in at https:///secure.ssa.gov/RIL to read it. From ph. # (833)684-0624. I deleted the txt without responding.
Joel H.
I received this email today. We’d like to remind you to review your Social Security Statement online. The Statement has important Social Security information and, if applicable, estimates of your future benefits. Asking me to setup a SS account. with this link https://www.socialsecurity.gov/reviewyourstatement. Is this legitimate or a scam?
Vonda
Hi Joel, thanks for checking in with us. The email you received is legitimate and was sent to those with a personal my Social Security account. The informational email was in regards to the importance of reviewing your Social Security Statement. We hope this helps.
Mark L.
received a text from 619 854 2410 threatening jail time if I did not phone back and my ssn would be blocked.
You can call this number and they do answer
Absolute disgrace these people should be in jail themselves
Vonda
Thanks for letting us know, Mark. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.
If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Maher N.
I recieved a text message from 799-13 number saying:
“my social security code is … so and so”
I’ve never open an account there. is this a fruad or someone is trying to access my social security account ?
Vonda
For your security, Maher, 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 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. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Michell M.
I received the same message today Sunday 11-29-20 is this a scam?
Linda S.
I just received the same text. I’m sure it’s a scam but would appreciate reply from Social Security on this thread.
Vonda
Hi Linda, thanks for checking in with us. My Social Security account holders that chose to receive alerts via text will receive a text when there’s a new notice in their Message Center. Starting in early December, those that chose text alerts will receive a text from Social Security regarding the Social Security 2021 COLA notice. You can securely view and save the Social Security COLA notice without waiting for the mailed notice. You can also opt out of receiving notices by mail that are available online via the Message Center.
If you would like to change how you are notified, choose email or text or both in the “Notification Preference” section and select “Save” to be notified whenever there is a new message in Message Center.
Vonda
Hi Michell, thanks for checking in with us. My Social Security account holders that chose to receive alerts via text will receive a text when there’s a new notice in their Message Center. Starting in early December, those that chose text alerts will receive a text from Social Security regarding the Social Security 2021 COLA notice. You can securely view and save the Social Security COLA notice without waiting for the mailed notice. You can also opt out of receiving notices by mail that are available online via the Message Center.
If you would like to change how you are notified, choose email or text or both in the “Notification Preference” section and select “Save” to be notified whenever there is a new message in Message Center.
Barbara D.
Received this today 11/27/2020 via text. Is this a scam?
“You have a new message at mySocialSecurity in the message Center. Log in at https://secure.ssa.gov/RIL”
Vonda
Hi Barbara, thanks for checking in with us. My Social Security account holders that chose to receive alerts via text will receive a text when there’s a new notice in their Message Center. Starting in early December, those that chose text alerts will receive a text from Social Security regarding the Social Security 2021 COLA notice. You can securely view and save the Social Security COLA notice without waiting for the mailed notice. You can also opt out of receiving notices by mail that are available online via the Message Center.
If you would like to change how you are notified, choose email or text or both in the “Notification Preference” section and select “Save” to be notified whenever there is a new message in Message Center.
Rene M.
You have a new message at mySocialSecurity in the Message Center. Log in at https://secure.ssa.gov/RIL to read it.
Is this a Scam?
Kathleen O.
I just got that same text today and I am very hesitant and have not opened or put any information.
Vonda
Hi Kathleen, thanks for checking in with us. My Social Security account holders that chose to receive alerts via text will receive a text when there’s a new notice in their Message Center. Starting in early December, those that chose text alerts will receive a text from Social Security regarding the Social Security 2021 COLA notice. You can securely view and save the Social Security COLA notice without waiting for the mailed notice. You can also opt out of receiving notices by mail that are available online via the Message Center.
If you would like to change how you are notified, choose email or text or both in the “Notification Preference” section and select “Save” to be notified whenever there is a new message in Message Center.
Vonda
Hi Rene, thanks for checking in with us. My Social Security account holders that chose to receive alerts via text will receive a text when there’s a new notice in their Message Center. Starting in early December, those that chose text alerts will receive a text from Social Security regarding the Social Security 2021 COLA notice. You can securely view and save the Social Security COLA notice without waiting for the mailed notice. You can also opt out of receiving notices by mail that are available online via the Message Center.
If you would like to change how you are notified, choose email or text or both in the “Notification Preference” section and select “Save” to be notified whenever there is a new message in Message Center.
Ethel S.
Hi I try to report a scam on the Webb site of the inspector general site and it kick me out with and error. How can I report my issues?
Vonda V.
Thanks for letting us know, Ethel. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.
If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Fran
Have received two phone calls today from local nos. re compromise of my s.s. # Did not return either call. My husband received also received soc. sec. call re compromise of his s.s. #. Likewise the link to OIG doesn’t work.
Vonda V.
Thanks for letting us know, Fran. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.
If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Brenda
The link you gave to the inspector general doesn’t work.