Prevent Holiday Scams

We have created a new video on How to Spot a Scam for you to share with your network.

Be skeptical and cautious of unexpected calls or messages. Criminals are using the names of federal government officials and sending pictures of documents, evidence, federal employee credentials, and law enforcement credentials and badges, to try to prove their legitimacy. They may change the picture or use a different name, agency, or badge number, always with the intent to scam people out of money or personal information.

We will NEVER:

• Send pictures of an employee’s official federal government identification.
• Suspend someone’s Social Security number.
• Threaten someone with arrest or other legal action unless they immediately pay a fine or fee.
• Require payment by retail gift card, wire transfer, internet currency, or cash by mail.
• Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
• Send “official” letters or reports containing your personal information via email.

We only send automated emails and text messages to people who have agreed to receive them and only in limited situations, including the following:

• When someone has subscribed to receive updates and notifications by email or text.
• As part of our enhanced security when accessing a personal my Social Security account.

Visit our Scam Awareness and Social Media Resources webpages for additional resources and information on how to report Social Security-related scams.

Scammers never take a holiday.

Dawn Bystry, Acting Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic & Digital Communications @SSAOutreach