Protecting What’s Important to You
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: June 30, 2021
Unfortunately, scams are a part of our current reality. Scammers are always thinking of different ways to trick their targets, coming up with various ways to try to steal your information, identity, and benefits. They depend on you not knowing about their methods.
We always say that preparation begins with information. Being informed about the latest scams and knowing the signs can go a long way toward staying a step ahead of them. Check out our infographic to learn how you can help us protect your information.
Also, stay up to date by reading our blog series on scams:
- Inspector General Warns Public About Social Security Advisory Board-Related Scam
- Inspector General Warns Public About Caller ID “Spoofing” of Social Security Fraud Hotline Phone Number
- How You Can Help Social Security Protect Your Information
Every day, people get tricked into sending money or giving out personal information. Don’t be one of them! Together, you and Social Security can thwart the scammers’ efforts.
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About the Author
Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Carol G.
I got a call that said my ss# was use in Texas
V.V.
Thanks for letting us know, Carol. 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.
onlinehefaz
thanks
onlinehefaz
Peter J.
Well the SSA isn’t doing much for me. At the moment I’m in danger of losing my home because I’m behind in all kinds of payments. In the months of SEP and OCT of 2019 I did not receive a benefit check because SOMEONE was able to change my bank of deposit. After notifying my local SSA office the clerk filled out some paperwork and informed me that I should receive my benefits within 30 to 45 days. SURPRISE – it never happened. After contacting the Inspector General’s office I was told that the checks were cut and should be in the mail. SURPRISE – it never happened. I again returned to the local SSA office and was told at that time that the SSA does not investigate this sought of complaint so I would have to track the fraud myself. After contacting the Inspector General’s office twice and assured that the check is in the mail. I again returned to the local SSA office. I was then informed that the matter was investigated and I should receive the two (2) benefit check within thirty (30) days. This occurred last attempt occurred on or about 5th of march. NOT A SURPRISE – it never happen. After 9 months being lied to and misinformed and treated unfairly is a disgrace. Would would believe that a Vietnam Veteran could be made homeless because the branch of government that’s been taxing me for over 40 years are not able to forward my benefit checks.
V.V.
Hi Peter, thank you for your service! We sincerely apologize for your inconvenience and we understand your frustration. We recommend that you continue to work with your local field office. You can request to speak with the manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation. Please contact your local Social Security office and look for the general inquiry telephone number. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
handi f.
Hi thanks’ to make me comment
Very well post thank you
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Smith M.
Protecting the important things is very much important in life, if we say about home which is a prominent asset needed to be protected with home insurance or else if some loss happens the liability will be high.
Kathy D.
I just receive an automated voice message from 614-812-5142 telling me to call the Social Security Administration at the 614-812-5142 number. I believe this to be a scam as I am unable to find this number as associated with SSA when I google it.
A.C.
Hi, Kathy. Thanks for letting us know. 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.
Mary C.
I just submitted a suspected fraud form to the OIG.SSA.GOV regarding a voicemail that was left on my phone this morning. Fortunately because it was recorded I was able to quote back verbatim everything that the male robocaller stated. And you can TELL it’s a fraud with this group of clowns cuz they don’t even have the right syntax: “Press one to connect your call to SS officer.” Uh…how bout to THE S S officer, or AN
S S officer…dummies! And right off the recording started in MIDSENTENCE. Now that’s always a nice professional touch. At the bottom of the form I submitted I just had to tell them that I had REALLY wanted to “press the number one to be connected with SS officer” cuz it would’ve been a lotta fun to give them the “BIZNEZZ!” Something like:
“Hewwwoo? Wha? Wwhheeere AARRE you?! No. Noo body heeer by thaaat name. No. But mmyyy mAAAHHMy izz sleepin right ooohver THERE!”
Now wouldn’t that have been a lotta fun…? !
Claire
I was called from 1-800-307-4935.
Pre-recorded message said: My Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended because of suspicious activity.
Kindly press one I repeat press one.
SCAMMERS.
L.A.
Hi Claire. Thanks for letting us know. 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.
Sam W.
I just got this call:
“Kindly press one. I repeat press one to know about your legal case. This call is from the legal department of social security administration. Your social security number has been suspended and we have filed a case under your name. So before this matter goes to federal Claims Court Court house for you to get arrested. Kindly press one I repeat press one.”
From 239-273-1073.
Scam.
L.A.
Hi Sam. Thanks for letting us know. 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.
Jennifer C.
I received a call from 706-503-1752 claiming I have federal charges pending against me via my ssn. As far as I know I haven’t received any correspondence. They’re wanting to send an officer out to the house in the morning to retrieve my old ss card and issue a new one. Is this a scam?
L.A.
Hi Jennifer. Thanks for letting us know. 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.