F or Immediate Release
Download a Scam Alert PDF
That sudden offer from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to activate a benefit increase is from a criminal and not the real SSA. Do not share personal or financial information. Do not click on the link or reply. Report suspected fraud at oig.ssa.gov/report.
Criminals continue to impersonate the SSA and other government agencies in an attempt to obtain personal information, money, or download malware onto phones.
Recent reports indicate that criminals are trying to trick people into sharing personal and financial information over the phone or through fraudulent text and email messages that lure recipients to a fake Social Security website. Criminals falsely advise recipients to apply for Social Security benefits or additional money, such as a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), or to set up an online account. The message may also provide false contact information for the SSA.
“Scammers are relentless in their efforts to lure you to their fake websites or get you to respond in any way to their fictitious offers. I urge members of the public to ignore unsolicited messages and offers. This simple step will help protect you from fraud,” said Inspector General Gail S. Ennis. “Also, be alert for unusual business practices and contact Social Security directly with questions or concerns about SSA. Never click on the link.”
“We are deeply concerned that fraudsters continue to find new ways to impersonate government agencies to trick people into providing personal information or money,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “I urge people to be vigilant and ignore suspicious emails, texts or letters. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click on any link or attachment.”
Ignore suspected scams and report them at oig.ssa.gov. Reporting these scams helps us identify new scam tactics and trends and protects others.
HOW A GOVERNMENT FRAUD WORKS
Knowing the signs of a scam can help you avoid falling victim to one. These scams primarily use the phone to contact you, but scammers may also use email, text messages, social media, or US mail. swindlers profess be from an agency or organization you know to gain your trust. Scammers say there is one problem or price. swindlers the pressure to act immediately. Scammers tell you to do it i pay in a specific way.
TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- Do not take immediate action. If you receive a communication that elicits a strong emotional response, take a deep breath. Close or ignore the message. Talk to someone you trust.
- Do not transfer your money! Don’t buy that gift card! Never pay someone who insists on paying with a gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency or cryptocurrency, wire transfer, money order or by sending cash. Fraudsters use these forms of payment because they are difficult to trace.
- Be skeptical. Don’t trust scammers who “transfer” your call to a government official or law enforcement officer, or who give you a proof number. Fraudsters can create fake numbers and identities. Don’t trust your caller ID.
- Be careful of any contact claiming to be from a government agency or law enforcement, telling you about a problem you don’t know about or an unsolicited offer. Do not give out your personal information, even if the caller has some of your information.
- Do not click on links or attachments. Block spam calls and messages.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SCAMS
Visit ftc.gov/scam to read about common scams.
Scammers often change their approach with new tactics and messages to trick people. We encourage you to stay up-to-date on the latest news and advice by following SSA OIG on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook or by subscribing to receive email notifications.
