Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

SSA Imposter Scam Emails - How to Protect Yourself
SSA Imposter Scam Emails - How to Protect Yourself

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has issued critical warnings regarding a sharp increase in imposter email scams designed to steal personal data and money. These fraudulent messages often use official logos and colors to appear legitimate, but are intended to lure you into clicking on malicious links.

Common Email Scam

  • "Statement Ready" Lures: Emails claiming your Social Security statement is available for download.
  • Urgent Demands: High-pressure language insisting you act immediately to fix a problem with your account or SSN.
  • Benefit Promises: Offers of unexpected prize money or government benefit increases in exchange for information or payment.
  • Embedded Links/Attachments: Directing you to fake websites or prompting you to open files that may contain malware.

Red Flags

  • Non-Government Sender: Official SSA emails come from addresses ending in .gov.
  • Requests for Personal Info: The SSA will never ask for your personal information (like your SSN) via email or text.
  • Payment Requests: Any request for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or mailing cash is a guaranteed scam.

How to Protect Yourself

  • "TYPE Don’t Tap": Instead of clicking any links in an email, always type ssa.gov/myaccount directly into your browser to check your status.
  • Delete Suspicious Emails: Do not reply or open attachments from messages you were not expecting.
  • Report Fraud: Submit reports of Social Security-related scams to the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG).

If you have already shared information or lost money, immediately stop all communication with the scammer and contact your financial institutions to secure your accounts.

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The Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is warning the public about a significant increase in government imposter scam emails that falsely claim to provide access to a recipient’s Social Security statement. Clicking links within the email may lead to identity theft, financial loss, or compromised data.

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