Social Security scams are on the rise. Scammers that are calling potential victims posing as federal agents, other law enforcement, and threaten to arrest if they do not comply with their instructions. The scammers may also claim their potential victims' social security number has been suspended. The scammers are attempting to steal their personal information and get cash via money orders and gift cards. If you are contacted over the phone by someone claiming to be from the Social Security Administration, do not talk to them. Hang up and report the call to law enforcement.
There are a few ways you can identify a scam call. If you do business with the Social Security Administration, remember that they will never:
- Threaten you with benefit suspension, arrest, or other legal action unless you pay a fine or fee.
- Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
- Require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card.
- Demand secrecy from you in handling a Social Security-related problem.
- Send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email.
If you get a suspicious call claiming to be from Social Security, you should hang up and report it to our law enforcement office.