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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Stephanie H.
I recieved a phone call thismorning October 15th from someone saying that my SS number was being used excessively and they were going to suspend my account. the caller asked for my number and birthdate which I did not provide, the call came from a local number 251-648-1717.Hopefully if this was a legitimate call I will be sent a letter in the mail.
V.V.
Thanks for letting us know, Stephanie. 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.
Jo N.
I received a phone call stating I needed to call a certain person at the SS office because I was being audited. I then received an official looking letter in the mail asking me to call this same person. I called the local SS office and was told that I had a letter in my file and that it probably wasn’t a scam and to call this guy. I called him and he wanted me to send a copy of my drivers license and birth certificate to him through the mail. I refused and he gave me an email to send it to. I did but have not received any kind of communication that he received it or the reason for the audit. I wonder what should I do now?
V.V.
Hi Jo, thanks for using our blog. Please contact your local Social Security office to follow up. 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.
Rose H.
I was scammed and feel very foolish as I gave my ss card. They got $500 from me. I am wondering if I should get a new number and card?
V.V.
Hi Rose, thanks for using our blog. If you think someone is using your Social Security number, there are several actions you can take. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page about this topic. We hope this helps!
Bonnie F.
My elderly mother was sending money to people claiming to be saving social security. Once she responded now every body and his brother are sending her letters asking her for more. She even had a membership card she thinks she needs. She’s 90 years old with memory loss. I try to intercede her mail but not always able. What do I do to stop these people?
V.V.
Hi Bonnie, thanks for using our blog. Because of privacy and security concerns, you will not be able to conduct Social Security business on behalf of your mother unless you are her representative payee. Having a power of attorney, being an authorized representative, or having a joint bank account with your mother does not authorize you to access information on her Social Security record. If your mother does not have a representative payee and she is not capable of managing and directing her Social Security benefits, someone should consider applying to be her payee. To learn more about becoming a representative payee, you can read our publication, “A Guide for Representative Payees” or visit our Representative Payee webpage.
To apply to be your mother’s representative payee, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can contact 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.
The J.
Calls received stating suspension notice against my social security from federal crime and investigations department to call 618-248-4877
V.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.
Maria C.
I am a representative payee for my niece who is legally blind and schizophrenic, but who can function and understand well with support and direction. She received a call (while I was not with her) demanding her SS# and she provided it, then informed me. I went online and filled out a form provided by SSA to report fraud, and reported this incident. I never heard back from anyone at the SSA Offices. I would appreciate confirmation that it was received and if my niece’s SS# has been compromised.
Zahra h.
I have a voicemail frome someone saying that there is somthing wrong with my social security number and I should immediately contact 915-200-0028 immediately .I’m pretty sure that this call is an scam . ??? Do you think?
V.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.
Roderick C.
Just a note of thanks and support. We know you are swamped but still you do your best both professionally and knowledgeably.
velina s.
I keep receiving calls from 816-307-0675 advising that my ss# is being used a lot. I should call them or my number is going to be suspended . I have not called them back as I would like to think that I will receive an official letter or notice from you if this is true.
V.V.
Thanks for letting us know, Velina. 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.
Kathleen W.
I also have been receiving calls about my Social Security being compromised.
Pat M.
This is true ,I had alot of calls lately.