Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams
/WARNING
Be on the lookout for fake calls and emails
Scammers are pretending to be government employees. They may threaten you and may demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or other legal action. Do not be fooled!
Be Alert
Social Security may call you in some situations but will never:
Threaten you
Suspend your Social Security number
Demand an immediate payment from you
Require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, or wire transfer
Ask for gift card numbers over the phone or to wire or mail cash
If you receive a suspicious call
Hang up
Do not give money or personal information
Report the scam to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG)
What to look for
The caller says there is a problem with your Social Security number or account.
Any call asking you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash.
Scammers pretend they are from Social Security or another government agency. Caller ID or documents sent by email may look official but they are not.
Callers threaten you with arrest or other legal action.
Keep up to date on scams and fraud by reading our blog.
Be Active
Protect yourself, friends, and family!
If you receive a questionable call, hang up and report it at oig.ssa.gov
Do not return unknown calls
Ask someone you trust for advice before making any large purchase or financial decision
Do not be embarrassed to report if you shared personal information or suffered a financial loss
Learn more at oig.ssa.gov/scam
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