Impostor scams are among the most common frauds reported to the government, and Social Security is one of the agencies scammers copy most often. The calls, texts and emails can look and sound convincing. Knowing how the real agency works makes it much easier to spot a fake.
What scammers say
Social Security impostors use fear and urgency to stop you from thinking clearly. Common stories include:
- Your Social Security number has been "suspended" because of a crime.
- There is a warrant for your arrest unless you pay a fine today.
- Your benefits will stop unless you "verify" your number or bank account.
- You are owed a cost-of-living increase or a refund, but must pay a fee first.
- You must move your money to a "safe account" to protect it.
Some callers spoof caller ID so the call appears to come from a real Social Security number. Others send letters or emails with official-looking logos, or texts with links to fake websites.
What the real Social Security will never do
- Threaten you with arrest, legal action or loss of benefits if you do not pay immediately.
- Suspend your Social Security number.
- Demand payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or cash sent by mail or courier.
- Ask for your full Social Security number, bank details or a sign-in code in an unexpected call, text or email.
- Promise a benefit increase in exchange for a payment.
Social Security staff may sometimes call you, for example if you have an application in progress. But they will never threaten you or demand payment.
What to do if you are contacted
- Stop. Do not give any information, and do not press buttons or call back numbers given in a message.
- Hang up or delete. You can end a call at any time, even if the person is rude or insists.
- Check independently. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or sign in to your account at ssa.gov by typing the address yourself.
- Talk to someone you trust. A family member, friend or your bank can help you think it through.
If you already paid or shared information
Act quickly. The sooner you report it, the better the chance of limiting the damage.
- Gift cards: Call the company that issued the card and tell them it was used in a scam. Keep the cards and receipts.
- Bank transfers, debit or credit cards: Call your bank or card company right away and ask them to reverse the transaction.
- Your Social Security number: Visit IdentityTheft.gov to get a recovery plan, and consider placing a free credit freeze with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
- Your my Social Security account: If you shared a password or sign-in code, change your password and contact Social Security.
How to report a scam
- Report Social Security impostors to the Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.
- Report all types of fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- If you lost money, you can also file a report with your local police.
Reporting helps investigators track scam operations and warn others, even if you did not lose money.
Read our broader guide to phone scams targeting older adults for more warning signs and ways to block unwanted calls.
