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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Mary B.
Mary fisher i keep getting this call from SS # and i no dam well its a scam . They say someone from from Texas is using my ss # . They wanted my number to match is , i said no i NO IAM BEING SCAMED and i hung up .this is the # they call from if u want to check it out .516 881 8636 . They have called me at least 4 times so far .JERKS! they sound like they are from another country . .
Vonda V.
Thanks for letting us know, Mary. 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.
Trudie B.
To everyone, I am a senior and alot of times seniors are targeted because they seem to be easy prey. In addition to social security informing you of scams you can contact AARP. They have extensive information on the latest scams. I don’t have their number right now but you can easily find it online. Also there is a great gentleman prior scam artist turned federal agent on task force for fraud who gave a presentation here in my city about his life as a scammer and now works for the federal government. He is located in Washington DC, has a website, his name is Frank Abagnale. He welcomes and answers all comments and questions. I have personally had correspondence with him. He also has written several books. He’s a remarkable man who took his corrupt ways and has used it for good in helping educate the public.
Kay L.
I have at least 5 saved messages of this Scam with social security being claimed as caller.
Vonda V.
Thanks for letting us know, Kay. 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.
Ofelia M.
Good evening, I received a letter today from Social Security Administration to inform me about the changes of my address … unfortunately I’d never change my address… that’s a scammer who made the changes … Ofelia
Dan H.
Received a voicemail from someone named Johnson Larie his phone is 1 816-652-4085. Received the message below. I have blocked the number.
******************************************************
Enforcement action executed under your Social Security number for suspicious and fraudulent activities committed in the state of Texas. And we just suspended your Social Security number. Ignoring this will be an intentional second attempt to avoid initial appearance before Magistrate Judge or grand jury for a federal criminal offense. This is the final attempt to reach you. So if you want to know about this case, just press 1.
Vonda V.
Thanks for letting us know, Dan. 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.
William C.
left mail with the OIG, received an automated threat from (951)350-1639 legal action will block you SSA account
call this number immediately. Very threatning Scammer
Vonda V.
Thanks for letting us know, William. 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.
Samuel B.
Yes I get alot of calls that I won money they are from unemployment benefits how do I identify with the BS
Maria V.
Thank you for the information. Is there a web page that can identify current scams trending. I am terrified of using cash app or pay pal, yet there are people that will only accept payment in that form. Is there anything I am missing?
Hannah B.
That’s interesting, thank you.
https://is.gd/N0crJd
Norma P.
The calls that I receive has been that my Social Security card had been compromised and I was to call an 800 back, the only thing when I called they ask what my number was and I responded, “You called me about my social security number so you should have it.” Who ever was on the line hung up. Since then I don’t answer any number that I am not familiar with.