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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Raymond P.
I recently received an email and suspicious on whether it was a scam email or not. It said something about the government extending economic stimulus relief packages beyond the deadline. Then it did not clarify how to find out more information about this.
William M.
To whom do you forward suspicious emails?
Charles
Sorry, the message sent before I added my email address.
Charles
I just received an email from “subscription.service@ssa.gov” with the subject: Economic Impact Payment Deadlines Extended.
Even thought it appeared to be a valid ssa.gov address I did not open it. Before I move it to my spam folder, is the above description of this email a valid communication from ssa?
V.V.
Hi Charles, thanks for checking in with us. The email you received is legitimate. The informational email is sent to those with a personal my Social Security account. We hope this helps.
Lucille M.
I’ve received several calls like this. I hung up immediately but I didn’t know who to call . You say report it to the Inspector Generals’ Office. How do I get that number?? I live in Ohio .
V.V.
Thanks for letting us know, Lucille. 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.
Rhoda O.
I just received an email claiming to be from social security about stimulus check. I did not open this email for fear it was NOT from social security.
V.V.
Hi Rhoda, thanks for checking in with us. The email you received is legitimate. The informational email is sent to those with a personal my Social Security account. We hope this helps.
Carol E.
Are they still giveing Social Security and SSi payments and continued the service.
V.V.
Hi Carol, thanks for using our blog. We are still able to provide critical services. If you have a critical situation that we cannot help you with by phone, online, fax, or mail, we may be able to schedule an in-office appointment for you. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for more information.
Marie A.
Scam mess with my social security disability please putting a block in it for me they’re already said when it is time for me i won’t be able take money please check this out
V.V.
Hi Marie. 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.
M D.
Could not reach site of inspector general to report a scam call. The number that called me today was 916-794-7959. Told me there were several accounts in my name in Texas, tied to a crime, a car in my name, filled with my information and an apartment with 25lbs of cocaine. I laughed and told them they have to do better than that and hung up. Please forward this info to were it needs to go. Thank you.
V.V.
Thanks for letting us know, M Denise. 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.
Susan H.
The link to the Office of the Inspector General did not work. We have received a least two such scam phone calls. The last one came from (706) 237-1217 on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at 3:38 p.m.ET.
V.V.
Hi Susan, we apologize. You can report suspicious calls here. We hope this helps!