April 17, 2020

Beware of Social Security Phone Scams

Telephone scammers are pretending to be government employees.  They may threaten you and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or other legal action.  Don’t be fooled!

If you receive a suspicious call:

  1. HANG UP!
  2. DO NOT GIVE THEM MONEY OR PERSONAL INFORMATION!
  3. REPORT THE SCAM AT OIG.SSA.GOV

What to look out for:

  • The caller says there is a problem with your Social Security number or account.
  • Any call asking you to pay a fine debt with retail gift cards, cash, wire transfers, or pre-paid debit cards.
  • Scammers pretend they’re 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.

Be alert! Social Security may call you in some situations but will NEVER:

  • Threaten you
  • Suspend your Social Security number
  • Demand immediate payment from you
  • Require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, or wire transfer

Be active. Protect yourself and your friends and family!

  • If you receive a questionable call, just hang up and report the call at oig.ssa.gov
  • Learn more at oig.ssa.gov/scam
  • Share this information with others