The Social Security Administration (SSA) has issued a SCAM ALERT. If you receive a call, text, or email that tries to threaten, scare, or pressure you to take an immediate action, then it is a scam. If you encounter any of the following, do NOT provide any money or personal information:
- Threats to suspend your Social Security number, even if they have part or all of your SSN
- Warnings of arrest of legal action
- Demands or requests for immediate payment
- Required payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, internet currency, or mailing cash
- Pressure to provide personal information
- Requests of secrecy
- Threats to seize your bank account
- Promises to increase your Social Security benefit
- Attempts to gain your trust by providing fake “documentation,” false “evidence,” or the name of a real government official.
You can protect yourself, and others, from Social Security-related scams by:
- Staying Calm: do not provide anyone with money or personal information when you feel pressured, threatened, or scared.
- Ignoring It: if you receive a suspicious call, text, or email, hang up or do not respond. Government employees will not threaten you, demand immediate payment, or try to gain your trust by sending you pictures or documents.
- Reporting Scams/Scammers: if you receive a suspicious call, text, or email that mentions Social Security, ignore it and report it to the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Do not be embarrassed if you shared personal information or suffered a financial loss.
- Getting Up-to-Date Information: follow SSA OIG on Twitter @TheSSAOIG and Facebook @SSA Office of the Inspector General for the latest information on Social Security-related scams. Visit the Federal Trade Commission for information on other government scams.
- Spreading the Word: share your knowledge of Social Security-related scams. Post on social media using the hashtag #SlamtheScam to share your experience and warn others. Visit oig.ssa.gov/scam for more information. Please also share this information with your friends and family.
