Social Security Launches New Campaign to Fight Scammers
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: August 19, 2021
Recently, we launched a new Public Service Announcement* campaign as our latest step to caution you about the ongoing nationwide telephone impersonation scheme. The videos feature a message from our Commissioner, Andrew Saul. Along with our Office of the Inspector General, we continue to receive reports about fraudulent phone calls and emails from people falsely claiming they’re government employees. The scammers play on emotions like fear to convince people to provide personal information or money in cash, wire transfers, or gift cards. Fraudsters are also emailing fake documents in attempts to get people to comply with their demands.
“I want every American to know that if a suspicious caller states there is a problem with their Social Security number or account, they should hang up and never give the caller money or personal information. People should then go online to report the scam call to Social Security,” said Commissioner Saul.
Commissioner Saul also addressed the Senate’s Special Committee on Aging on January 29. He spoke frankly about these ongoing schemes and how we are educating the public about them.
You can watch the hearing or read the transcript at www.aging.senate.gov/hearings/thats-not-the-government-calling-protecting-seniors-from-the-social-security-impersonation-scam.
Learn to protect yourself and report any suspicious calls and emails right away. If you have already been a victim of one of these scams, do not be embarrassed, and please report it so we can stop these scammers and protect other people. Please share our new Public Service Announcement video with your family and friends.*
*Note: This video is no longer available.
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About the Author
Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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shriya g.
Hey, It was amazing to go through your post, that was really so useful and informative!
Tractor
Norman T.
I got a call today from 815-618-4464 saying that a warrant for my arrest was being issued.
V.V.
Thanks for letting us know, Norman. 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.
Tabassum B.
I get these calls on a daily basis now. How can i stop them from happening? The site here just ask s to report if you actually have been scammed or are avictim.
Nalini
I lost 4 months of my social security income as somebody defrauded the employees at the social security office and changed my direct deposit account number to theirs.
I have gone personally to social security office locally to get my lost money back.
Each time the agent replied they will start paying you from the next month onwards what I lost,but no relief.
I have written certified letters about the loss but still no response.
I lost 4 months of my social security income.
Are there ways to get back when the fraud happened with the social security staff who changed everything without checking proper ID and transferred account on phone?
The bank that the account was transferred and paid social security to the wrong person also did not check credentials and does not want to accept responsibility.
Please help!
V.V.
For your security, Nalini, 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.
P J.
The SSA, it seems, does not give a @%&** about you. I have proof. They are doing the same thing to me as to you. I am facing eviction. Do you think they care. I have been trying for a year and i am in worse condition than before I asked for help.GOOD LUCK
Richard L.
Well this is a subject that I have to actually believe it started with outsourcing customer service over seas . Say unless you belong to a credit union ,and you have to call your bank for some financial information. Or you need your credit card for your balance information or some other issue . Guess where ? It’s not the United States , this is a travesty. We really need to think about other countries out vital information. Yes I’m talking to you corporate America, greed has really taken a new low. I believe if we took those essential institutions back to our nation . We definitely would see a huge improvement over this plague of leaches , who want a free ride. This crime needs to be punishable to life without parole . Thank you and I’m sorry but I feel for everyone especially the sick and elderly.
R Rodriguez
John
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Guru R.
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stanley t.
keep getting calls from this number in Childress, TX saying my benefits are being held, unless I contact them. 1-940-226-4950
V.V.
Thanks for letting us know, Stanley. 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.
John S.
Be on the lookout for a man calling himself Richard Webber. Said I was primary subject for drug running and money laundering. Fear and pressure. Kept FBI from coming after me. He was Senior Commissioner of Social Security criminal division. Called from two 916 #s
Put my money in gift cards. I feel like the idiot I am.
V.V.
Thanks for letting us know, John. 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.
Fatoye F.
I will be very happy to receive all the latest news from the US gov. Updates
Ron
Thank you for this informative post. I have used these tips and found them really useful.
Great post. I’ve read about it. God Bless the USA
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