How can I recognize a Social Security impersonation scam?

Government impersonation messages often use fear. A caller might say your number was suspended, your benefits are in danger, or law enforcement is on the way. The pressure is designed to keep you from checking independently.

Notice threats and unusual payment requests

The Social Security Administration warns about calls that threaten arrest or legal action, demand immediate payment, or ask for gift cards, cryptocurrency, cash, or wire transfers.

A caller may also ask you to keep the situation secret. That is a reason to end the call and speak with someone you trust.

Verify through SSA.gov

Do not use a link or phone number from the unexpected message. Go to SSA.gov yourself and use the official contact information there.

Do not assume caller ID proves the call came from the government. Displayed numbers and names can be manipulated.

If you shared information

Write down what you shared, then use official government and financial routes to protect affected accounts. The SSA Office of the Inspector General provides an official form for reporting Social Security related scams.

Scrammer cannot determine whether a particular contact is genuine or investigate the person who contacted you.

The main idea

You do not need to investigate the sender yourself. Pause, verify the claim through a contact route you find independently, and use official help if money or information may be at risk.