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
Comments
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Sharee B.
how do I know this email is not a scam?
I would like something in the mail like I have seen on the news and not reply to anything on the phone or on line.
A.C.
Hi, Sharee. In a few instances, we will use marketing firms to help raise awareness of Social Security’s online services, and this includes creating a my Social Security account. We allow these firms to send E-mails that will take individuals directly to our website. Any links that you find within these E-mails should always point to a “.gov” web address. If you are not certain that an E-mail you received came from Social Security or one of our marketing partners, DO NOT click the links. Instead go directly to the Social Security website, http://www.socialsecurity.gov, and click on the my Social Security icon. Visit our site to learn more about how to detect a fraudulent E-mail message, here. Thanks!
Jo A.
Doctors and other medical offices are always asking me for my social security number. Is it ok to give it to them?
A.C.
Hi, Jo Ann. You can refuse to disclose your Social Security number; however, the requester can then refuse to provide you the service you are seeking if you do not provide it. For more on this, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. Thanks!
Roy M.
We have been receiving phone calls telling us our social security card has been use in a scam. They do not leave a number, just telling us to contact the Social Security Office. We have hit redial, but we are told there is not number, it is always an 800 number that comes up but does not stay on the phone contact numbers. Would you please let us know if there is any truth.
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Roy. 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.
Vera M.
I received a call that sounded like a voicemail because I wasn’t permitted to talk to the voice on the other end. It sounded threating as the voice stated that I need to get a lawyer as I have been found guilty of social security fraud. That I was going to jail. I’ve always kept my Social security number to myself and unless I have made a mistake at some time in my life regarding social security I have NEVER asserted in writing or by voice per phone call any untruths regarding social security. I don’t understand why I have received this phone call and do believe it to be a scam of some sort. But I don’t know how to go about verifying that this call was actually a scam. who can I call to find out if social security has actually made this phone call to me?
A.C.
Hi, Vera Marie. 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.
Gerald C.
I receive calls at least once a week threatening me with legal financial action including loss of benefits. Each call comes from a different 800/900 number, and never the same one twice. It is always a recorded message, with no opportunity for me to speak to anyone live.
I fully realize these must be the basis of a scam operation, but still have not been able to figure how it works. I also have other calls coming in that are attempts to hack into my wifi and computer. But I have no way of knowing if they may be related.
Thank you.
L.A.
Hi Gerald. Thanks for letting us know about these calls. 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.
Veronica J.
I received a lot of phone calls stating my social security number has been compromised. I just hang up and block the number and they call using a different phone number. I wish I could find out who they are and report them.
L.A.
Hi Veronica. Thanks for letting us know about these calls. 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.
Pamela T.
I get calls saying there is fraudulent activity on my account and it will be cancelled. I tell them the call is Bri g transferred to either the CBI, or the Colorado Attorney Generals office for Fraud. They hang up. Haven’t gotten a call in a few weeks.
L.A.
Hi Pamela. Thanks for letting us know about these calls. 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.
Sunny A.
This is very useful information & I thank you.
Dorothy T.
Been getting phone calls from this number regarding my
social security number is under investigation by the social
security office.
Phone number – 631-481-2390
L.A.
Hi Dorothy. Thanks for letting us know about these calls. 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.
Joseph b.
Want to change address and direct deposit for ss. Account.
A.C.
Hi, Joseph. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a my Social Security account to change your address and direct deposit online. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local office immediately. Thanks!