Social Security Informing You About Recent Scams
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast 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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Tags: fraud, Office of the Inspector General
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Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
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Teresia M.
I am receiving calls from 706-719-0496 about my benefits being compromised Madison Ga number
Vonda V.
Thanks for letting us know, Teresia. 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.
robin s.
What if they ask four your Medicare number.
Vonda V.
Thanks for letting us know, Robin. 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.
Wendy K.
Would like to make a report. Multiple call from Texas suspension of social security number
Vonda V.
Thanks for letting us know, Wendy. 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.
joyce h.
today i was called by a female .claiming my card there is a problem with my ss.c. i muust call a 201 area code i will lost my benifits. i did not answer the message. i belive the office will send me a letter not not call . if there is a problem i would like to know.
Vonda V.
Thanks for letting us know, Joyce. 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.
Bettina C.
The following phone numbers are an “officer” saying that a social security number has been used and to press “1” now:
+1 210 657 3202
+1 210 655 5023
Vonda V.
Thanks for letting us know. 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.
Linda C.
Two calls form this number 9038763838 & 9038768082 just they said that my s s number would be removed I hung up but they have call to times today
Vonda V.
Thanks for letting us know, Linda. 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.
Dorothy S.
I get calls on a weekly basis from an organization claiming to be from Social Security. They leave recorded messages that my SsN has been compromised and if i dont comply i could be arrested with no bail. The last caller informed me that my. SSN was revoked for fraudulent activity. It sounds so convincing as if it was from a valid Social Security officr.
Vonda V.
Thanks for letting us know, Dorothy. 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.
Karen D.
I just got a call in a recording last week telling me there was something suspicious about my social security and I am denied payments until I take care of it. Then said would I like to speak to someone now and i said yes. As soon as the guy came on with a middle eastern accent i knew it was a scam (been there before) so i told him i was ending the conversation and hung up.
Earl R.
Someone used my social security number to file a false unemployment claim.What should i do?
Vonda V.
Hi Earl. We are unable to answer questions about unemployment insurance as each state administers its own program. Learn more here.
Also, check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on what you can do if you think someone is using your Social Security number.
Geraldine G.
My husband and I separately received an email in mid-September, supposedly from the SSA with the subject line:
“Economic Impact Payment Deadlines Extended”. It said things like this: “The IRS has extended deadlines to help children and adults get their Economic Impact Payments” and we chose not to open any of the links included.
Was this from you? And how can we tell if it’s a scam?
Vonda V.
Hi Geraldine, thanks for checking in with us. The email you received is legitimate and was sent to those with a personal my Social Security account. The informational email was in regards to the IRS extending their deadline to help children and adults get their Economic Impact Payment. The link in the email is directing individuals to our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for more details. We hope this helps.