SSA Talks: Recognize and Report Scams
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: December 2, 2024
The newest episode of SSA Talks features Kate Kleinert, a widow living near Philadelphia. As a warning to others, she shares her story of losing the last of her life savings – $39,000 – in a romance scam.
The episode includes advice from Rebecca Rose, a senior public affairs specialist with Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General, OIG.
Recognizing the 4 signs of a scam can help protect you and your loved ones from becoming a victim.
Typical scammers use the 4 Ps:
- They pretend to be from a trusted agency, like Social Security.
- They present a problem or prize.
- They pressure you to act immediately.
- They request payment in a specific way, such as gift cards, wire transfers, or bitcoin.
Rebecca also offers tips on how you can protect your personal information. The segment concludes with how to report Social Security-related scams to OIG.
Listen to Episode 5 on our SSA Talks page, where you’ll find a transcript and links to related materials. Don’t forget to subscribe to receive alerts about future episodes.
For more Social Security news and updates, visit our Communications Corner.
Please share Kate Kleinert’s story with your friends, family members, and others who may need it.
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Donna M.
There are messages every day about Social security giving out Thousands of dollars to Retired people. I know it is not true because December 6th it said Social security was giving 2,000 dollars to 5,000 dollars. Saying check your account. All lies. Is there any way you can stop all these adds on YouTube. Even President Elect Trump is sending out these messages.
ZRay
The wife received a text yesterday from: https//secure.ss.gov. I did look into that site but it comes up website dns not found. Therefore, it Does appear to be a scam text.
Dexter F.
Are you sure it was a txt and not an email? Reason was asking is because txt messages won’t have “http//secure.ss.gov”
Jac A.
Email from SS said there was a new message notification but when I tried to log in with login.gov I was asked for additional information including my SS # . Is this a scam?
John E.
Yes, never give your Ss# to anyone unless you know for sure who they are. If your not sure then the answer is ( I need to get some advice before I give it to you.
Dexter F.
Another phishing scheme to watch out for is that you will receive a spam email. When I clicked on “unsubscribe” the next page came mentioning “click to download”. I looked in the URL and saw the words “not secure”. Apparently they were attempting attach spyware of some other intrusive software onto my computer. Be careful with email. The fraudsters are become smarter.
quacy m.
US Social Security Administration Social security office in Brooklyn, New York, address 1871 Rockaway Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11236 phone number 1-(800) 772-1213. at Seaview Shoppers Mart Shopping Center or Parkway Plaza Shopping Center. the social security office and all their workers alway stay drunk or intoxicated from this Rockaway Liquor World .always a party for all their workers in this plaza or lot for free. Rockaway Liquor World is also located here at the same place 1863 Rockaway Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11236
quacy m.
free for all workers sharing the same lot or plaza
S.S.
Hello Quacy. We are sorry to hear this. You can submit feedback by visiting our Contact Social Security webpage. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email A Question to our Support Team” form, where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. In the meantime, we have forwarded your note to our colleagues in New York. We hope this helps.
Guinn, E.
Does the Social Security Administration offer a monthly food allowance card?
Or is this a scam?
Thank you
Shauntenette W.
My address has changed unfortunately I’ve been dealing with stalkers and fraud issues I reported this to the irs and had to use my mothers address as a result of illegal eviction todays date is dec 5 2024 plus they have made it hard to get back and forth to work with my ex husband and family stalking I just worked for the prison in Hubbard Ohio and was accused but not charged with me writing an inmate touched my right button first time writing someone up and first time working in a prison with other staff done the same way with all males after reporting this to Douglas fender the warden for Ohio with all those officers supposed to protect and serve as officers and they have failed while I was trying to adopt my grandson and warden laughed when I said he grabbed me like I was and I never been to a strip club worldwide embarrassment I screenshot almost everything while the celebrity benefit illegal evictions begging for strippers I’m posting this as proof
Raul R.
I keep getting a notice for a 1500.00$ to 3000.00$ spending card from SS! Is this real? Deadline is today! Raul
Pam G.
Pinterest has Jo-Anne’s fabrics sale. I ordered a sewing machine for $35 and an overhead lamp. Turned out to be someone from Hong kong ordered Chinese for $40 and charged it twice on my card! I am still waiting for the bank to reverse the charges. Buyer Beware!
Lorraine
I guess I missed it, where do I forward email scams? Give me the actual link.
Jaymi H.
My single mother died in 1965 (40 years old) in Honolulu, Hawaii when I was six years old. I was raised by a distant relative in California/Nevada.
I don’t believe any of my mother’s social security payments were paid out on my behalf.. thinking my relative really did not know about this benefit.
Can you direct me to a contact person to find out if I am owed retroactive benefits?
Thank you.
Key
Terus harus bilang wow gitu.
S.D.
Hi, Jaymi. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. If your mother worked and was insured for Social Security benefits at the time of her passing, you may have received survivors benefits on her work record. We generally pay benefits for a minor child to a representative payee, who manages the payments on the child’s behalf. Monthly benefits are to take care of the child’s food, shelter, medical expenses, and personal needs. Children may be eligible for survivors benefits if they are under age 18 or age 19, if they are in high school, and unmarried. If you have a disability that began before you were 22 and the disabling condition prevents you from doing substantial work, we may be able to pay survivors benefits to you as a “Disabled Adult Child” (DAC). For more information, visit our Disability Planner. You may be able to determine if you received survivors benefits with a benefit verification letter. You can get a benefit verification with your personal my Social Security account. If you have additional questions, you can speak with representative by calling us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.