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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Robert C.
Not addressed or mentioned is the millions of taxpayers like my mother in law who used the mail-in process for their returns have NOT received their refunds. The return was sent in mid March. Now its September for crying out loud and they are still not processed. That’s beyond a tragedy, that’s criminal.
Sandra K.
I have been scam out of my ssdi check and my email is reids2295@gmail.com
Vonda V.
Thanks for letting us know, Sandra. 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.
Stevie
I enjoy pressing one to get a live scammer, at which point I tell them to go have sex with themselves and then hang up.
Debra S.
Received two different calls within five minutes yesterday wrote the numbers done called SSI to report it was on hold for twenty minutes I hung up I feel bad for people who fall for scammers.
Robert J.
Past three days have had at least one call per day including a voice message that my social security benefits were going to be suspended. This morning’s call was particularly meant to threaten with immediate termination of all benefits unless I called 667-281-0608. I just hung up.
Jael
That a scam they trying to get our money some how I m applying I hoping this 4 time I get my ssi I will I need my income but it wasnt ssi I got my analysis that I speak to somebody else so I m identity theft so let’s find out who trying to scam us
Theresa G.
When I sign in fill out questionnaire, I dont qualify to get a response due to unusual circumstances I have in being paid wrong. Covid = no office open telephone #, can’t get through. Help!
Vonda V.
Hi Theresa, thanks for using our blog. For your security, 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 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.
Jael
Hi I m applying almost about to get my ssi somebody call saying they ssi and I owe money I m a disabled women my email is lisamontes071@gmail.com name jael plz call it a scam my number is 7184145453 that my care taker number thank you ask to speak to me telling me I owe money I m a student that cant even remember things plz help
Dre,
Don’t fall for it , they called me all the time until I lied and told them that I was in law enforcement with the federal bureau of investigation, and I haven’t heard from them for about two months now!!
Vonda V.
Thanks for letting us know, Jael. 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.
Keri S.
Most of the calls I receive are recorded messages and I hang up, but the number of calls a week has escalated. I have noticed the numbers are similar to my own area. I have not received any calls from a “live” person to date.
DEBORA P.
I was called and told my ss card was being canceled due to fraudulent use and transfered to a calk center //, whim i informed that ss doesn’t do things by call ss always notify you by mail. They hung up on me..