Social Security Scams the Warning Signs and Next Steps

With over 65 million Americans receiving Social Security benefits, it’s no surprise that scammers target elders under the disguise of the Social Security Administration. Seniors across the United States have received fraudulent letters, emails, phone calls and even text messages under the agency’s title. Because Social Security numbers are the key to identity theft, most Social Security scams aim to obtain and misuse SSNs and other personal or financial information.

In this article, Elder Protective Services reviews the top three fraudulent Social Security Administration scams and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to fraudulent activity.

Threatening Phone Calls

Last year, the “Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) received about 360,000 reports of Social Security impersonators and related scams” (AARP). That number would be much higher if it wasn’t for phone companies’ flagged call security systems. T-Mobile believes that out of the 21 billion scam calls flagged in 2021, at least 10%, or two billion calls, were from Social Security impersonators.

Sometimes these fraudulent calls use an automated voice or “robocall” to sound more official, but more often than not a person will be on the line pretending to be a representative from the Social Security Administration. These scammers use threatening techniques to create a sense of panic and urgency in order to obtain a potential victim’s Social Security number. Recently, however, scam artists are even demanding immediate payments to “reinstate benefits”, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

T-Mobile and other phone companies warn that fraudulent callers use “spoofing techniques” to make the call appear as the SSAs actual number (1-800-772-1213) on the recipient’s caller ID screen. To make the call seem more credible, impersonators will identify themselves with an actual employee’s name and SSA ID number for recipients to record. Despite the credibility, the threatening tone of the call is an important indicator that the call is in fact fraudulent. A popular scheme is the claim that a victim will be “arrested” or face “legal action” due to illegal activity associated with the person’s SSN unless they call a phone number to address the issue. Potential victims who call the number will be asked to provide sensitive and personal information, such as a bank account number or SSN, in order to verify or rectify the situation. Recently, some seniors are reporting threatening text messages claiming to be from the SSA. In these scenarios, it’s important to know the warning signs and next steps to protect yourself or your loved one.

What to Know from the FTC:

• “The real Social Security Administration won’t call, email, send text messages, or send direct messages on social media asking for payment.”
• A Social Security Administration employee will “never threaten you for information; they will not state that you face potential arrest or other legal action if you fail to provide information.”

Fraudulent Emails and Phishing

Scam artist cons are advancing just as fast as modern technology. Phishing, specifically through email, is becoming more and more popular every day. We explain phishing more in depth within our article Password Protection 101. In regards to Social Security scams specifically, phishing is an identity theft tactic that relies on victims unknowingly providing sensitive financial or personal information, such as Social Security numbers. Emails often appear to be from credible sources, as they may have attachments that resemble letters from the SSA or have signatures which include the agency’s seal.

These emails often direct potential victims to a fake webpage designed to look just like the real SSA website. This website may encourage victims to provide their name, address, and SSN to access important information. Once the information has been collected, scammers will sell it to other cybercriminals or use that information for personal gain. Never click on links from unexpected emails or text messages.

What to Know from the FTC:

• Legitimate emails from the Social Security Administration will never seek personal information from users or adopt a threatening tone.

Spurious Letters

Despite advances in technology, many scammers are extremely successful using the original Social Security Scam: Direct Letters. Elders often prefer information mailed directly to them, even if it means a longer wait time and scammers prey on this conviction.

A fraudulent letter appearing to be from the SSA could have an official seal and letterhead, but will ask the potential victim to call a toll-free number or create an account on a disclosed website in order to activate an increase in benefits or reinstate benefits that have been cut off. It’s important to note that most increases in benefits are automatic and DO NOT require an additional signup process. Just like in fraudulent calls or emails, once a victim calls the number or accesses the website, they will be encouraged to provide their personal or financial information, which will then be exploited.

What to Know from the FTC:

• If the Social Security Administration sends you a letter, to notify you of a benefit increase for example, the SSA will NEVER ask you for your personal or financial information.

Key Takeaways:

Social Security scams target seniors who are receiving benefits and prey on these unsuspecting elders by creating a sense of panic and urgency. Keep the look-fors and red flags of common Social Security scams in mind whenever answering unexpected phone calls or reading emails from the SSA. Remember:

• DO NOT trust numbers in a voicemail, text message, or email
• Call the government agency directly at the number listed on the website ending with .gov
• NEVER send cash, wire money or send cryptocurrency to unverified sources
• DO NOT click on links in unexpected text messages or emails
• NEVER provide your personal or financial information to someone who calls or texts and says they are with the SSA

Reporting Social Security Scams

If you suspect a FRAUDULENT letter, phone call, text, or email from the Social Security Administration:

• Call your local Social Security office or the toll-free National 800 Number to verify whether a communication from the SSA is legitimate.
• 1-800-772-1213
• Report impostor communications through the online form.
• Report Social Security Fraud at 1-800-269-0271.
• If you believe your Social Security number or identity has been stolen, file an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission, which can help you develop a recovery plan.
• To get the latest information on Social Security scams, follow the SSA’s Office of Inspector General on Twitter or Facebook.

Daniel Klibanoff, an advocate for seniors, is currently serving as the President and CEO of Multimedia Lists, Inc. Daniel is also the founder and director of Elder Protective Services, an enterprise aimed to serve and protect elders. Learn more at Elder Protective Services