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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Margaret H.
I was victim of Social Security when they told me that they were going to take my Social Security Benefits away from me & my Social Security Number away, too . Cause I was a fraud to them. I got the number that they call from was in Fresno, Ca. I knew they were not Social Security people.
L.A.
Hi Margaret. 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.
Matthew H.
Great stuff to let people know about . I saw the email and was concern that this was a scam. You might want to put some sort of security on the front end . I am still not sure .
Pat C.
Ironically, I was on My Social Security online opting out of mail notifications when a call came through about my S.S. number, They said it was deleted and if I wanted to know more, I should push 1. I hung up instead. Here is the number they called from: 1-800-643-2364.
A.C.
Hi, Pat. Thank you 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. We hope this helps.
R c.
Lost my wallet how can I receive a replacement SSA card Tks Ronald C Fledderman 4434 O’Casey Dr CC TX 78413. 361-815-9208, 361-445-1616 ssn Xxx-xx-0104
A.C.
Hi, R C. First, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card please visit our Social Security Number and Card page. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
John L.
I have received (3) voicemails on my cell phone this week stating “Action filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities. So when you get this message kindly call back at at the earliest possible on our number before we begin with the legal proceeding at 737-200-8124.”
Two of the calls came from 337-508-1005 and one from 737-200-8119.
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, John. 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 also for helping us fight fraud.
Elaine D.
On Monday, October 21, 2019, I received an email saying “we found some suspicious activity so if you want to know about this case just press 1 thank you this call is from the Department of social security administration… It further stated “we suspend your Social Security number…
Of course I knew this was a scam and didn’t respond. Phone number is 512-033-2828
L.A.
Hi Elaine. Thank you for checking in with us. From time to time, we may send emails to beneficiaries who have a personal my Social Security account. We are also informing the public through TV and radio commercials, on our website, our toll free number, as well as our Social Media sites, to be aware of scams. If you or anyone receives calls, letters, text messages, or emails saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls, letters, text messages, or emails should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. We hope this helps.
Joseph M.
I have recently received a phone call on my iphone giving me a warning that this is the last message of this type telling I must do something to protect my Social Security account…I hung up promptly never listening to the whole message. Am I correct in thinking the SSA like the IRS does not use the telephone to call citizens?
L.A.
Hi Joseph. 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.
Linda w.
Lately I have had a phone call that says my s.s. Number has been compromised and Its urgent I call a number . I didnt as knew it didn’t sound right. They called 3 times.
John
Are you sure your site is secure, I didn’t start receiving these threatening phone calls until I registered with your site???
Jannie T.
I have received many phone calls from Florida and South Carolina stating they are the Social Security office and they are going to stop payments so I need to contact them immediately. I have saved both the numbers and the messages left on my cell phone if you choose to pursue them. My name if Jannie Tadlock. My phone number is 270-912-4440 and my email address is jannie.tadlock@yahoo.com