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Social Security imposter scams continue to be widespread across the United States. Scammers use tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. If you receive a suspicious letter, text, email, or call, do not respond.
We will NEVER:
– Text or email images of an employee's official government identification.
– Suspend your Social Security number.
– Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee.
– Require payment by retail gift card, wire transfer, internet currency, or cash by mail.
– Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
– Mail or email "official" letters or reports containing your personal information.
We only send text messages in limited situations, including:
– When you have subscribed to receive updates and notifications by text.
– As part of our enhanced security when accessing your personal my Social Security account.
If you owe money to us, we will mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights. Social Security employees do contact the public by telephone for business purposes. Ordinarily, the agency calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit, are already receiving payments and require an update to their record or have requested a phone call from the agency. If there is a problem with a person's Social Security number or record, Social Security will typically mail a letter.
We encourage you to report suspected Social Security imposter scams -- and other Social Security fraud -- to the OIG's website at oig.ssa.gov/report. You can find more information about scams at www.ssa.gov/scam. Please share this information with your friends, family, and colleagues to help spread awareness about Social Security imposter scams.