The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Social Security Administration (SSA) has reported that the SSA is the most common agency scammers impersonate when defrauding consumers among all government agencies. In 2023, consumers reported a total of $617.9 million in government impersonation scams, and by November 2024, this number had exceeded $577 million, with scams impersonating the Social Security Administration leading the pack.
Criminal organizations involved in organized crime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking are duping unsuspecting consumers out of their money.
So, how can you identify Social Security scams? Understanding these cunning fraud schemes may help you avoid losing thousands of dollars.
Here are some common Social Security scams:
According to the OIG of the Social Security Administration, the so-called “security update scam” is a relatively new scheme. You might receive an email claiming to be from the Social Security Administration with a message like: “Official Notice: Immediate Download of Your Social Security Statement. -ID: 70S802.” This is not an official communication from the SSA. Remember, government email addresses should always end with “.gov.”
The email claims that the “Social Security Monitoring System detected a potential error.” It then advises you to open, download, and install a supposed tool on your computer or device. The OIG warns that, in reality, this email is not from the SSA, and the tool could compromise your personal data and potentially harm your computer system or device.
Its purpose is to scare you into taking action, leading you to disclose your data.
In Social Security benefit scams, you might receive an email with the subject “Claim Your Benefits!” The content might say: “Important: Apply for your Social Security benefits starting from (a certain year).” The email will contain a link disguised as the official Social Security Administration website. You can identify it as fake because it usually contains spelling errors or extra periods.
If you click the link in the email, you will be redirected to a fake website. The site will ask you to enter your birthdate and Social Security number. This way, scammers obtain your personal information.
The Social Security Administration will never notify you about benefits via email or text message.
Scammers may call or email you, claiming that you need to register for the “Cost of Living Adjustment” (COLA).
Hannibal “Mike” Ware, former Acting Inspector General of the SSA, said, “Be cautious of any request for additional actions or personal information, as it is likely scammers attempting to steal your identity or property.”
The annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) occurs automatically, and you do not need to take any action to receive it.
Criminals impersonating staff from the OIG of the Social Security Administration may ask elderly people to hand over cash in person. Sometimes, they may also request gift cards or have you use payment applications (Apps).
This is a dangerous variant of known scam tactics. It puts pressure on victims to hand over cash or gift cards to scammers in person.
Never engage in financial transactions with anyone claiming to be from the OIG of the Social Security Administration.
Whenever you receive a letter from the Social Security Administration, remain skeptical. Scammers are skilled at mimicking SSA letterheads. Their sole aim is to steal your identity or money.
Do not call the number provided in the letter. You should call the official SSA phone number – 1-800-772-1213 – to verify the authenticity of the letter. In most cases, it’s a scam.
Any claims promising an unexpected increase or activation of Social Security benefits are fraudulent. The SSA does not operate this way. Do not respond or click on links. Scammers will only ask for your Social Security number and birthdate, then use your identity.
They may also download malicious software on your computer or phone.
The OIG of the Social Security Administration warns that some text messages appearing to be from the SSA have recently emerged. The texts claim that there is an issue with your Social Security number and request the recipient to call a number to resolve it, or else legal action will be taken.
Again, stress is laid on scammers aiming to obtain your Social Security number and birthdate. The SSA does not send text messages.
According to the SSA, identifying scams is crucial. It can help protect your personal information and funds. While the tactics of scams vary, their modus operandi is largely the same. The SSA recommends adhering to the following guidelines:
Scammers will impersonate the Social Security Administration (or other government agencies) to gain your trust. Once they succeed, the scam begins.
Scammers will always claim there is an issue or reward. The problem could be a loss of benefits, while the reward might be an increase in benefits.
These scammers will pressure you to act immediately. They will also demand payment in specific ways, such as cryptocurrency, cash, payment applications, or gift cards.
Scammers will not cease their activities, so staying vigilant is crucial. The best course of action is to never engage in conversations or respond to anyone claiming to be from the Social Security Administration.
You should directly contact the Social Security Administration. Register for a personal “mySocialSecurity” account. This way, you can download statements and view all matters related to you.
Another option is to call or visit a Social Security Administration office.