Fraudsters are always looking for new ways to exploit your fears in order to steal your money and personal information.
Understanding and ignoring suspicious phone calls and emails are the most effective defenses against scammers.
Posing as federal agents or other members of law enforcement is a common scam tactic used by con artists.
There’s a chance they’ll say your SSN is tied to some sort of criminal activity. In some cases, they may even threaten to have you arrested if you don’t follow their orders.
As a starting point, try the following three suggestions:
Hang up or do not reply to the email if you receive one.
Whenever you’re asked for personal information or money, never do it.
If you’ve been duped by a scam, please contact the Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov to alert our law enforcement team.
Calls claiming to be from the Social Security Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs should always raise a red flag.
A letter will be sent to your address informing you of your rights, payment options, and the option to appeal if you owe money to us.
Also Read: Get the Full Story Here: When Will Social Security Recipients Receive Their $1,400 Check?
There are a few telltale signs that point to a phony phone call or email. Remember that we’re never going to:
- Forcibly fine or otherwise penalize you for not paying a fee or fine.
- Â In exchange for payment, promise a raise in benefits or other assistance.
- Pay by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, online currency, or prepaid debit card.
- Demand that you keep a problem with your Social Security number a secret.
- E-mail sensitive documents such as official letters or reports containing personal data.
If you are no longer doing business with us, we are unlikely to contact you. Again, if you get a suspicious call from us or law enforcement about Social Security, you should hang up and immediately report it to our Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov to our Office of the Inspector General.
