Scams Come In Many Different Forms
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: July 16, 2021
Social Security is at the forefront of keeping your online data secure, but you play a vital role in safeguarding your personal information too.
Scammers commonly target people who are looking for Social Security program and benefit information. You might receive an advertisement in the mail, but it could be from a private company or even a scammer. U.S. law prohibits people and businesses from using words or emblems that mislead others. Their advertising can’t lead people to believe that they represent, are somehow affiliated with, or endorsed or approved by Social Security or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicare).
If you receive misleading information about Social Security, send the complete advertisement, including the envelope it came in, to:
Office of the Inspector General Fraud Hotline
Social Security Administration
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, MD 21235
Scams can also happen online. A growing tactic for scammers is to use online dating sites. According to the United States Postal Inspection Service’s recent messaging, before starting an internet-based relationship, we should always keep our personal details to ourselves until you meet face-to-face. Next, do an internet search of the other person’s name and the town they claim to be living in.
Here are indications that someone may not be who they say they are:
- A mismatch between their name and the name embedded in their email address.
- There are obvious spelling and grammar errors.
- They asked if you would send or receive money/packages on someone else’s behalf.
- They need money right away due to a medical emergency, or they need a visa or air tickets. Or, a business opportunity arose that was too good to turn down. Can you wire a loan?
If anyone asks for your Social Security number, never give it to them. And if they are specifically pretending to be from Social Security, please report the information to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online.
Protecting your information is an important part of Social Security’s mission. You work hard and make a conscious effort to save and plan for retirement. For more information, please visit the Office of the Inspector General’s website.
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About the Author
Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Dennis k.
recived phone message to call 5203663823 said important message from socal secutiry
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Dennis. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a site specific to Social Security scams, here. Thanks, again,
Marian H.
I want to continue getting paper reports from SS..
Thank you!
kathleen b.
I need to check further before I file this information. I have been a victim of identity theft 3 times and just want to make sure you are who you say you are.
Edwin L.
I have been getting phone calls on my home phone 1-208-267-9264 telling me that my SS number has been compromised and that I need to call them immediately at 1-330-366-2904. I have not answered these calls but they go to my answering machine. The calls say that they are from the SS Administration.
A.C.
Hi, Edwin. 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 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.
Robin R.
I get multiple voicemails everyday claiming to be from the SSA and that my account is being frozen due to suspicious activities. How can this be stopped?
Thank you
Robin A Robinson
A.C.
Hi, Robin. Thanks for checking in with us. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General 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.
Trudy
I have received 2 phone messages that I have suspicious activity on my social security and my number has been suspended. Then they want me to call a number and give my social security number to them!
Fat chance!
It is not the same voice or wording on these messages.
I figure this is another scam!
Please more info out to people.
Most will laugh but a few will give them the numbers!
L.A.
Hi, Trudy. Thanks for checking in with us. We are informing the public about these calls through TV and radio commercials, our website, our toll free number, as well as our Social Media sites. You can report Suspicious calls to the Office of the Inspector General 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.
Fernando H.
I received 3 calls from an official of the social security administration. did not answer any of the three.
they left me three voice message for me to call them back and talk to them before they begging legal action and will be stopping all benefits.
all three were different people calling from different phone.
L.A.
Hi Fernando. 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 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.
Christopher S.
Why can’t the SSA do anything about the continuous stream of fake SSA scm calls. I get several a week and unable to block because they keep changing the sent from number. Surely there is technology that can fix these thieves once and for all. Why does the SSA not take this problem more seriously than just issuing warnings. Sick of warnings – want action!!! It used to be viagra scams now its SS!!
John L.
How do I know that this isn’t a scam? I thought the IRS does not contact taxpayers by phone or the internet, only by paper mail. Please respond to my concern. I will delete this email in 3 days if I do not receive an answer.
krissy b.
just got a call from 800-957-4682 .. didn’t answer but got the following voice mail message: “Press one to speak to a social security officer; if you do not press one, a social security officer will start a law suit against you for social security fraud”.
L.A.
Hi Krissy. Thank you for letting us know about these calls. We do not usually make random calls. If you or anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams here. We hope this helps.