Social Security scams are a form of fraud that is becoming increasingly prevalent all around the world. They involve criminals pretending to be Social Security Administration (SSA) officials or other government representatives and attempting to deceive people for their money and personal information. In the U.S. alone, Social Security scams are the fastest-growing type of fraud, with losses reaching over $19 million in 2018. Scammers rely on fear and intimidation to trick victims into providing their personal and financial information. They may call or email people claiming they have an issue with their Social Security number and threatening to suspend their benefits if they don’t provide the information. Or they may offer a “free” Social Security card or benefit increase in exchange for the victim’s personal information. In other cases, the fraudster might simply tell the victim that he or she owes money to the SSA and must pay immediately, often via pre-paid gift cards.
Victims of Social Security scams range from seniors and low-income individuals to young adults. They often feel vulnerable and are more likely to fall for fraudulent activities due to lack of awareness or being intimidated by the caller. People who have had dealings with the Social Security system before in an effort to collect rightful benefits may feel more compelled to succumb to the scammers’ request. Thankfully, individuals can take steps to protect themselves against Social Security scams. The SSA provides an online tool to check the status of Social Security numbers and to report any suspicious activity. It is also important to be vigilant and not give out personal or financial information to any unexpected and untrustworthy sources. Additionally, it is important to remember that the SSA states that they will never call or email people to ask for personal or financial information. People who receive such calls should report the activity to the Federal Trade Commission, the police, and their state’s attorney general.