Frauds & Scams

Social Security Launches New Campaign to Fight Scammers

February 13, 2020 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last 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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Comments

  1. Harriet P.

    Thanks so very much for this warning!

  2. Phyllis G.

    Someone hacked into my email two days ago and scammed a few people with a false story about my needing money to buy a gift for my niece. They also pretended to need to get personal information regarding Amazon accounts of my friends. It is a terrible experience because these scammers are using me to make trouble for my relatives and friends. Also, they set up filters in my computer that temporarily made my computer unusable. We’ve fixed things, but the abuse of their actions leaves me shaken.

  3. George

    Received a phone call today threatening me.5167493561, I’m sure not much of help.

    • Vonda V.

      Thanks for letting us know, George. 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. Lawrence O.

    Scammed by: DUANE READE DR-212-683-3061

  5. Gregory W.

    I’ve received numerous calls this week saying my ssn is being suspended because of fraudulent activities in Texas. I’ve never been to Texas,nor do I do business in Texas. What can I do?

    • Vonda V.

      Thanks for letting us know, Gregory. 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.

  6. Paul S.

    Is there a scam about going back to school and get a better education I’ve been getting a lot of them likely did not know if they’re true or not please let me know..???

  7. Lawrence O.

    I received a phone scam today saying my SS has been scammed.

    • Vonda V.

      Thanks for letting us know, Lawrence. 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. onlinehefaz

    thanks
    onlinehefaz

  9. Ac d.

    Like I said my sister has been changed and you know who’s been doing it my close relatives

  10. Robert T.

    I still get these scammer phone calls saying that I m getting sued. For my SSN That they has legal activity has been done with. My ssn from robo callers and that I going to be arrested which I know it is all these telecommunications scammers that will lie to you just about anything to get you to pay them cash that’s why I download the Robo callers apps it works wonders

Comments are closed.