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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Charles S.
I received a phone call yesterday and was told that there was unusual activity on my Social Security number. Knowing that SS only contacts you through the mail I know that it was a scam and i’m hoping that who ever it was has no access to my number.
Luis A.
Hi Charles. Thank you for checking in with us. Keep in mind 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 site specific to Social Security scams here. We hope this helps.
Deena S.
What if I think I have been scammed about Diabetic blood sugar device where I gave them the information from my Medicare card. About a week ago.
Ann C.
Hi, Deena. You may wish to contact your local Medicare SHIP (State Health Insurance Program Coordinator) to discuss your options. We hope this helps.
Barb V.
STOP THIS NUMBER FROM CALLING 6 TIMES A Day. I think it is a scam re: legal action on my SS#. I JUSTHANG UP.
Kramer C.
Thank you I have had many calls
Deanna L.
Robot call, told me to press one to speak to an agent. Got what sounded like a boiler room and a man with an Indian accent. Asked my name which he could not pronounce and did not have me spell for him. Then asked for the last 4 of my ssn. Hung up on him then. Number was: (800) 942-0594. I hung up.
Ann C.
Thanks for letting us know, Deanna. 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.
T. D.
I just received another robo-call threatening action against me unless I call to resolve the problem. Saying my SSN has been used creating fraud. Out of curiosity I called the number back and got what sounded like a phone bank (lots of people in the background taking or making phone calls). They answered “Social Security Adminitration”. They asked for my name to “check into something so I just hung up. The number they called from is 631-830-0656. Please be wary of any robo-calls from this number. Just hang up and ignore.
Ann C.
Hi, T.D. Thanks for letting us know. 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 for helping us fight fraud.
John H.
I get many calls claiming that my SS number is about to be suspended because of illegal activity I generally hangup the phone but who is it >?
Luis A.
Hi John. 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. Keep in mind, 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.
James M.
I received a phone message this morning around 11:34EST that there is believe my social security number was used recently for fraud activities. I haven’t been in that location and have no idea of this. I tried calling back the number listed with my message but got a message that phone number is no longer valid. I am at 904/298-1184 and 904/673-2953. Please call me to discuss. I know nothing but do want to resolve any false information.
Mike FORDE
Orange Park, Florida.
mikefpics@gmail.com
904/673-2953
Luis A.
Hi James. Thank you for checking in with us. Keep in mind that 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 site specific to Social Security scams here. We hope this helps.
Lara C.
I was getting recorded phone messages in a computer voice saying my SS account was going to be cancelled due to a compromised SS number. I knew it had to be fake and that the SS admin would never do such a thing nor make phone calls like that. But FYI, that’s another form of scam.
Rita B.
I have been receiving automated calls lately that say they are from the Inspector’s Office of the SSA. The recording says that my ss# has been used for fraudulent purposes and they are issuing an arrest warrant. This is not legit is it?
Ann C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Rita. 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.