Social Security In Depth
Beware of phone calls, text messages, emails, and letters that appear to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Scammers impersonate the SSA to try to get you to provide personal details or pay them money. The messages that you receive may look legitimate. Some of the ways to tell that it could be a scam include:
- You are asked to pay a fee immediately via wire transfer, cash, or gift card
- Claim that there is a problem with your account
- You are told that your Social Security will be suspended unless you contact them
- You get a message that you will be arrested or legal action will be taken against you unless you contact them
It can be scary to get this kind of message, from what you think is a trusted organization. That is what the scammers want. It is really important to pause, take a deep breath, and verify if the message is real or a scam.
What You Shouldn't Do
- If you receive a robocall (recorded message) never follow the prompt to "dial 1 to return the call"
- If you receive an email or text alleging it is from the SSA and includes a number to call do not dial it
- If you receive a request to pay or your account will be suspended do not pay any money and do not share any personal details.
What You Should Do
- If you get a call, that seems suspicious hang up immediately. Search for the SSA website find their contact number and call them to check.
- If you receive an email or text message do not respond. Search for the SSA website find their contact number. Call and get them to verify the message.
Please note, you may receive legitimate calls or emails and text messages from the Social Security Administration, particularly if you have opted in communication via these channels. To protect yourself, always search for their number on the Social Security Administration website and call them back, that way you know that you are speaking to a representative of the SSA.
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