Do you know how to spot a government imposter scam?
Social Security-related scams and other government imposter scams.
There are common elements to many of these scams. Scammers often exploit fears, threatening you with arrest or legal action. Scammers also pose as Social Security or other government employees and claim there’s a problem with your Social Security number (SSN) or your benefits. They may even claim your SSN is linked to a crime.
When you identify a potential scammer:
If you owe money to the Social Security Administration [or any other government agency], they will never
Social Security-related scams and other government imposter scams.
There are common elements to many of these scams. Scammers often exploit fears, threatening you with arrest or legal action. Scammers also pose as Social Security or other government employees and claim there’s a problem with your Social Security number (SSN) or your benefits. They may even claim your SSN is linked to a crime.
When you identify a potential scammer:
- Hang up right away or ignore the message.
- Never give personal information or money.
- Report the scam immediately to our Office of the Inspector General.
If you owe money to the Social Security Administration [or any other government agency], they will never
- Threaten you with arrest or legal action because you don’t agree to pay money immediately.
- Promise a benefit increase in exchange for money.
- Ask you to send gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, Internet currency, cryptocurrency, or cash through the U.S. mail.