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. Paul B.

    I presume i can copy this and send it to my clients over 61??

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Paul, thanks for using our blog. We welcome the sharing of our blog posts. Thank you!

  2. Walter S.

    I also received phone calls alike your description. It is very disturbing and leaves a bad aftertaste. Interesting indeed is, that all those people have an accent of some sort. Thank you for the above article of comfort

  3. Lillian J.

    I recently was contacted by someone like this, they knew everything, and I do mean everything. I had to change all my personal accounts and info. Wished I had hung up now, but everything is better now.

  4. Laurie L.

    Thank you! And I did get a phone call like that I hung up!

  5. John G.

    Thanks for the information; it is very helpful.

  6. Denise B.

    I just received a phone cal from 501 380 8935 saying I must contact them or I will be arrested. These are foreign people in some sort of call center because I could hear other people in the background. This is a shame that people wait until you get older to try to take your social security money. I never give these crooks anything I laigh at them and they hang up. This particular number is blocked they can’t call me back on that particular number!

  7. Pamela C.

    Thank you for keeping us aware of these scams. I get calls everyday saying they are going to arrest me. But I just hang up.

  8. CathleenAnnCassidy

    What about that tell you theres suspicious activity happening on your card ? Should that be considered a scam as well?

    • Holly

      Best practice: Hang up (politely or not, as you please) and call your bank/credit union directly. That way, you know you are talking to them and not to some scammer.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Cathleen, thanks for checking with us. 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.

  9. Rosa

    Gracias por los consejos y el deseo de prevenir futuros fraudes.

  10. John F.

    Excellent piece of advice.

Comments are closed.