Call from “Social Security” asking for money? It is a scam

Four signs of a scam

1. They pretend to be from an agency you knowScammers say they are from SSA or its Inspector General, and may use the real name of an employee.
2. They say there is a problem or a prizeA “suspended” number, a frozen account, a raise to “activate”.
3. They pressure you to act nowThey threaten arrest or legal action, and demand secrecy.

The fourth sign: they tell you to pay in a specific way. Gift cards, gold or silver, prepaid debit cards, wire or money transfers, cryptocurrency or cash in the mail. These are hard to trace.

Tricks SSA warns about

• Spoofing real government phone numbers, even local police numbers.
• Saying they will transfer your call to an agent or official who can protect your money.
• Sending pictures of badges or documents to look official.
• Messages on social media from accounts that copy SSA's look.
• Offering to meet in person to pick up cash or gold.
• Building a friendship or romance before asking for money.

What to do

1. Pause and hang upDo not click links or open attachments. Talk to someone you trust.
2. Protect your money and numberNever pay with gift cards or crypto. Do not give your Social Security number to a caller you did not call.
3. Report itReport Social Security scams to SSA's Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report. The FTC also takes reports at (877) 382-4357; press 3 for an interpreter.

How this guide works

This is an independent guide. We never call, text or message people about their benefits, never ask for a Social Security number and never charge for SSA forms or applications.

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