Social Security-Related Scams are just another to add to your radar to help keep your finances secure. View tips from the SSA below that can help prevent scammers from stealing your confidential information and money.
Recognize the four basic signs of a scam:
1. Scammers pretend to be from a familiar organization or agency, like the Social Security Administration. They may email attachments with official-looking logos, seals, signatures, or pictures of employee credentials.
2. Scammers mention a problem or a prize. They may say your Social Security number was involved in a crime or ask for personal information to process a benefit increase.
3. Scammers pressure you to act immediately. They may threaten you with arrest or legal action.
4. Scammers tell you to pay using a gift card, prepaid debit card, or cryptocurrency; by wire or money transfer; or by mailing cash. They may also tell you to transfer your money to a “safe” account.
Social Security will never:
- Threaten arrest or legal action if someone does not immediately send money to resolve an overpayment
- Promise to increase benefits or resolve identity theft issues for a fee or by moving money into a protected account
- Require payment with a retail gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, internet currency, or by mailing cash
- Send text, email, or social media messages that contain personal information
Need to report a scam? Visit: https://secure.ssa.gov/ipff/home
Share this information with friends and family to help them protect their information and money as well.
