They say nothing is certain except death and taxes—but for scammers, Social Security fraud seems to be a close third.
Social Security impersonation scams are on the rise, preying on fears of benefits being delayed, mishandled, or even stolen. With recent changes at the Social Security Administration (SSA), scammers have even more opportunities to trick unsuspecting victims.
Social Security scams involve fraudsters posing as SSA representatives, using phone calls, emails, and even fake documents to convince victims to share personal information or send money. With the SSA restructuring its services and limiting phone-based customer support for direct deposits, scammers have seized the moment to exploit these changes.
Scammers often claim there’s an issue with your Social Security number or benefits. They may use fake caller IDs, official-looking documents, and even social media accounts to appear legitimate. They create a sense of urgency, threatening to suspend your benefits unless you act immediately.
Seniors and retirees are the primary targets, as they rely heavily on Social Security and may not always be tech-savvy. However, younger adults aren’t immune—anyone receiving Social Security benefits or providing personal data online can be a victim.
A recent Bankrate survey found that 34% of adults experienced financial fraud or scams in 2024. Of those, 37% lost money, either by giving scammers access to their financial information or by paying for fraudulent services. Baby boomers (ages 61–79) and Gen Xers (ages 45–60) are among the most targeted groups, with 73% and 71%, respectively, having encountered a financial scam.
Beyond financial loss, victims of Social Security scams risk identity theft, fraudulent credit activity, and unauthorized access to their benefits. Once scammers get hold of your personal information, they can redirect your payments, open credit lines in your name, or sell your data on the dark web.
How to safeguard yourself and your loved ones:
- Ignore unexpected calls or messages claiming to be from the SSA. The SSA will never call to threaten you or demand payment.
- Never share personal information over the phone, email, or social media.
- Verify SSA contact by calling the official number directly at 1-800-772-1213.
- Use two-factor authentication on any financial accounts tied to your Social Security number.
- Report scams to the Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.
Quick Tip:
Scammers often spoof caller IDs to make it appear as if the call is coming from the SSA. If you receive a call, hang up and call the agency yourself to verify.
Pro Tip:
If you’re concerned about fraud, consider freezing your credit reports to prevent scammers from opening accounts in your name.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keyword Definitions:
- Social Security Administration (SSA): A government agency that manages Social Security benefits for retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors.
- Caller ID Spoofing: A technique used by scammers to disguise their real phone number, making it appear as if they are calling from a legitimate organization.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): An extra layer of security requiring two forms of identification before granting access to an account.
- Identity Theft: A crime in which someone illegally obtains and uses another person’s personal information, usually for financial gain.
- Credit Freeze: A security measure that prevents new credit accounts from being opened in your name without your authorization.
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