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. Steven A.

    I had a girl scam money of me for ticket to come see me and live with me but she got money for food and expenses she got close to 800 from me and now she got my email she wont stop harrassment I tried talking to her she said she was going to destroy me I no can change my phone number email but she needs to be stopped before she does it to someone else and does more like with my email thanks Steven Alleman

  2. Mary

    FOOLS !!! ONLY RESPOND VIA LETTER!! THEY MUST SEND YOU AN APPOINTMENT TIME AND DATE BY PHONE VIA LETTER…
    .NO OUT OF THE BLUE PHONE CALLS PEOPLE..!!! PAPER TALKS..BULLSHIT WALKS..????‍♀️?‍♀️

  3. Sandra

    Since I downloaded The Weather Channel App I’ve received 3 phone calls from Social Security telling me that an arrest warrant has been issued for me for some reason or another. I have hung up each time. It’s recorded, that’s the first inkling something is wrong. I’ve added the phone numbers to my Auto Reject List. They are: 520-829-1167, 602-663-4909, 602-663-3991 and 602-806-1899.

    • 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.

  4. Wanda R.

    I recently got a letter in the mail that looked really old stating I have to update my status return envelope looked weird to I was wondering during this covid if you are sending update letters out to anyone I thought it was suspicious and it was sent to old address and you guys should have my new address

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Wanda, thanks for checking with us. To be safe, you should call us at 1-800-772-1213 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.

  5. Baby a.

    Gd am I’m asking if a Millitary us army sergent fiance is with pay and also the emergency leave of Millitary with pay in the Defence secretary board mill will collect the payment and proses the ducument .

  6. Renee N.

    I get phone calls saying there from SSI but there not. I called Social Security office to report the calls, they tell me to call another number wich I do.they tell me to not answer it. I have to answer them because it could be my friend that travels. I even get a number. No one wants to do anything about it. Why?

    • Vonda V.

      Thanks for letting us know, Renee. 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.

  7. Paula G.

    I did have a voicemail on my house phone today which I did not return. Man said to call regarding $382 increase in some benefit for next month. I just had to verify info.

    • Vonda V.

      Thanks for letting us know, Paula. 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.

  8. Sharon T.

    I was called and told my ss has been compromised. I hung up so doesn’t call they send a letter and this was on sunday

    • Vonda V.

      Thanks for letting us know, Sharon. 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. Bernal P.

    Very valuable information .tanks.

  10. Rosem

    Beware of this scam

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