Frauds & Scams

Protecting What’s Important to You

September 30, 2019 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last 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:

  1. Inspector General Warns Public About Social Security Advisory Board-Related Scam
  2. Inspector General Warns Public About Caller ID “Spoofing” of Social Security Fraud Hotline Phone Number
  3. 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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Comments

  1. Karen C.

    I got a call this week. They said someone was using my social security number. I need to get in touch with them.
    I’ve also gotten the “will be arrested one” For owing taxes, ECT. I’m in jeopardy losing my ssid .When it’s a robotic call, I forward to block asap.
    Plus I do my taxes every year. I don’t have ssid as of yet. Been denied 3 times. I desperately need it too.This makes me so upset when people scam like this. I need an operation on my back, slipped, budged, stenosis, nerve damage. Cant do much of anything for more than 15, 20 min. They told me, I can go back to doing hair again. I wasn’t doing hair!!!. I’m so poor, I don’t qualify for anything. I’ve worked all my life, I’m 56, and have all my work credits. Couldn’t collect unemployment, because I was working for salvation army, as a advocate for Domestic abuse.its non-profit.. I love helping others, but can’t help myself I’m not so depressed I don’t leave the house. Maybe once or twice a month. And here these people are able to scam others, get away with it and excel. I’m not one to hurt others, but how messed up is this world? I don’t even want to be in this world any more. There’s more bad than good. Evil. If they want it, they know to get it. There’s no such thing as cyber protection. It’s come to far, to control it.
    Thanks for taking time to read. Had to vent!
    KAREN CAOBIANCO ?‍

    • Gail M.

      Might you consider not doing any personal bank business on line Go back to stateens by mail much safer I feel

  2. robert w.

    I get a call every day saying I will be arrested and they will cancel my social security number.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Robert. Thanks for checking in with us. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying 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 site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.

  3. gregory g.

    I had to switch bank accounts due to a hack. Chase, my bank said it was taken care of but I have not received my SS check for 2 months.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Gregory. We are sorry to hear about your situation. 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. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  4. Jon

    Got a call from (888) 200-9801. Had my phone take a message. Robotic voice said something about fraud and I should press 1. Glad I didn’t pick up.

    • Ann C.

      Thanks for letting us know. 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 site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.

  5. tRuthisBest

    All I know is the American people ought to stand up and tell all of the government to PAY BACK WHAT HAS BEEN STOLEN FROM US, WHO WORKED FOR THE MONEY and plan to retire on it!! NO ONE HAD OR HAS the right to take OUR money!! That is jsut a disgusting move on the part of those that are guilty of such evil!

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  8. tony

    I heard people scamming Social Security disability by using their spouse’s or someone else’s Social Security number to work.

    Another scam is retire seniors on Social Security retirement selling or giving their Social Security number to an illegal immigrant for them to work. They put a credit freeze on all their credits so the illegal immigrants can’t get credit cards and loans in their name.

    While the illegal immigrant is working, their Social Security checks increases each year due to an increase in the PIA average. Their earning from 30 years ago while they were making $3.25/ per hour minimum wage will be replaced by the new wage.

  9. Joanne Q.

    I got a call & te text to call re my Social Security, very important & this was the 2nd notice
    I called 215-660-4920
    They wanted my name, background noise was very loud & when I asked how do I know this is the Social Security office, they hung up.

    • Ann C.

      Thanks for checking in with us, Joanne. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying 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 site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.

  10. Tom K.

    Glad to hear that SS is doing a great job to keep us safe

Comments are closed.