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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Beth J.
On September 16, 2019 I received a scam robocall very similar to the ones described above. I hung up without listening to the whole message and without saying anything. The number of the sender was: 1-281-062-9274
Luis A.
Hi Beth. 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.
Guadalupe G.
my mom received a phone call sept 11, 2019 and they said that her SSN was used for suspeciuos acts on texas in el paso and we gave out the ssn what should we do my mom fears they might do something with her ssn
Please help
Ann C.
Hi, Guadalupe. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information on their website: http://www.idtheft.gov or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). To learn more about the steps individuals can take to prevent or resolve issues of identity theft, read our publication: “Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number”. We hope this helps.
Elaine
Another call! Saying my SS # is being suspended due to heavy activity, money laundering & blah blah blah… I know this doesn’t happen to actually be SS calling, its scammers!!!!
+18559324000 here is the number for this robo call
Ann C.
Thanks for letting us know, Elaine. 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.
Kat B.
Hey SSA, I just got a call from +1(631) 238-3338 (apparently it’s from Montauk, NY) saying I was going to have my Social Security cancelled… only problem is, I’m still a student and haven’t paid into my Social Security. They even left a voicemail, but it was with a robotic voice. Just thought you all should know.
Ann C.
Hi, Kat. 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.
Mary
Well take issues with Medicare. We already pay our fair share of taxes. Then if our gross income from two years ago was over a certain amount, yet more is swiped from seniors. Maybe they only made that much then, but not now. Anyhow call it what you may, but a percentage of seniors view that as a form of fraud. It isn’t right, and it’s abusive to do that to seniors. And where is our money being pitched? If we are not utilizing Medicare it’s not toward us. But like I said we shouldn’t have to have more swiped from us. And the cutoff line isn’t really considered wealthy. They’re taking it out on middle class. It shouldn’t be up to the government to tell us how much to donate. That should be left to Higher Up.
Joyce F.
I, too, have been getting fraudulent calls. They are coming more frequently all the time. Today there were calls from 3 different phone numbers, plus one “restricted” call that did not show the phone number. I don’t know where to report the bogus numbers (888/956-7486, 865/413-7044 and 888/386-6306).
Ann C.
Hi, Joyce. 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. Thanks for helping us fight fraud.
Deana K.
I just received a robocall today from a number in Texas. They said I had to call right away, with my criminal attorney, because there has been a problem with my social security number. The number was 512-215-3774. I’ve never done anything criminal and I don’t have a criminal record, and I don’t have a criminal attorney. I can see why someone could be scared because they may not know robocalls are scams.
Thomas M.
I recI received a robocall today, Sept 10, 2019. It stated that my SS account will be suspended and I would have to call back that number (906-323*4094). That same number was listed on my cell phone
KATHY C.
I received a robocall today, Sept 9, 2019. It stated that my SS account will be suspended and I would have to call back that number (570-244-3720). That same number was listed on my phone as the Robocall. When I called that number a man asked me if I was Sylvia Rose. I am not and said so. He then said he would remove my number and hung up.
Keith J.
Receiving robocalls from 850-204-9115 threatening action from the SSA, telling people to call the same number.