Frauds & Scams

Social Security Informing You About Recent Scams

September 10, 2020 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: September 10, 2020

The most effective way to defeat scammers is to know how to identify scams. You should just hang up on any call you’re uncertain of and ignore suspicious emails.  Scammers are always finding new ways to steal your money and personal information by exploiting your fears.

One common tactic scammers use is posing as federal agents and other law enforcement. They may claim your Social Security number is linked to a crime. They may even threaten to arrest you if you do not comply with their instructions. Just hang up.

As a reminder, you should continue to remain vigilant of phone calls when someone says there’s a problem with your Social Security number or your benefits. If you owe money to Social Security, we will mail you a letter explaining your rights, payment options, and information about appealing.

There are a few ways you can identify a scam call. If you do business with us, remember that we will never:

  • Threaten you with benefit suspension, arrest, or other legal action unless you pay a fine or fee.
  • Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
  • Require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card.
  • Demand secrecy from you in handling a Social Security-related problem.
  • Send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email.

If you do not have ongoing business with our agency, it is unlikely we will contact you. If you get a suspicious call claiming to be from Social Security, you should hang up and report it to our Office of the Inspector General.

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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

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Comments

  1. Terri v.

    I received a phone call from a New Jersey # 848-251-5015 on January 21, 2021 from someone claiming my social security card had been used fraudulently. When I called back a women gave me her “name” and “agent number”. Then asked for my full name and social security # for security purposes. When I asked her how I can be sure this is not a scam she hung up. How can I verify if this is a scam?

    • S.D.

      Thanks for letting us know, Terri. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams — misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems — have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.

      If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.

  2. Lena

    I reported fraud over a year ago and have heard nothing and haven’t been contacted. How will I know what will happen with my children’s benefits

    • V.V.

      For your security, Lena, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can call your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

  3. Gail G.

    I received a form to complete (2021 NY Senior Rights Survey) as well as being asked to donate. It is from National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare . Is this a legit organization?

    • S.D.

      Hi, Gail. Thank you for reading our blog and for your question. This organization is not related to the Social Security Administration, so we cannot speak to its legitimacy. We hope this helps.

  4. SHIRLEY O.

    I WAS SENT A LETTER STATING I WOULD NO BE RECEIVING ANY SS FOR JANUARY AND HALF OF WHAT I GET FOR FEBRUARY AND THE FULL AMOUNT FOR MARCH. THIS GOES BACK TO 2005 HELP

    • V.V.

      For your security, Shirley, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can call your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

    • Trisha

      Hey my social security is stolen my name is Trisha Richardson. I’m at 35788 we’ll rd coarsegold, ca 93614 .. please let me know and text me 0611999tr@gmail.com

      Mark Anderw Raymond

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