Social Security Fraud: What should you do if you get a call claiming there's a problem with your Social Security number or account?

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Social Security
Scams & Fraud

If there is a problem, the Social Security Administration will mail you a letter with your Social Security number. Generally, they will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with them. The latest scam trick of using robocalls or live callers has increased. Fraudsters pretend to be government employees and claim there is identity theft or another problem with one’s Social Security number, account, or benefits.

Scammers may threaten arrest or other legal action, or may offer to increase benefits, protect assets, or resolve identity theft. They often demand payment via retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or mailing cash.

Social Security employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money. Social Security may call you in some situations, but will never:

  • Threaten you.
  • Suspend your Social Security number.
  • Demand immediate payment from you.
  • Require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, internet currency, or wire transfer.
  • Ask for gift card numbers over the phone or to wire or mail cash.

Don’t be fooled! You should look out for:

  • A caller saying there is a problem with your Social Security number or account.
  • Any call asking you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash.
  • Scammers pretending they’re from Social Security or another government agency. Caller ID or documents sent by email may look official but they are not.

How to protect yourself and your family!

  • If you receive a questionable call, hang up, and report the call to our Office of the Inspector General.
  • Don’t return unknown calls.
  • Ask someone you trust for advice before making any large purchase or financial decision.
  • Don’t be embarrassed to report if you shared personal financial information or suffered a financial loss.
  • Learn more at oig.ssa.gov/scam.
  • Share this information with friends and family.

Learn more about fraud prevention and reporting at https://www.ssa.gov/antifraudfacts/.

This material has been prepared by a third party that is unaffiliated with Townsend Asset Management Corp. and is provided for informational purposes only. It may not represent the views of Townsend or its affiliates. Townsend has obtained permission to distribute this material. The information provided is not written or intended as tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for purposes of avoiding any Federal tax penalties. Individuals are encouraged to seek advice from their own tax or legal counsel. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a representation by us of a specific investment or the purchase or sale of any securities. Asset allocation and diversification do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets. Townsend Asset Management Corp. is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about the firm can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request. TAM-20-56.