Social Security Issues Major Warning to Retirees About Rising Scams

Scammers are increasingly impersonating the Social Security Administration (SSA) via email and other communication methods.

These scams often involve emails that appear to be official, claiming to provide access to Social Security statements. Clicking on links or downloading attachments can lead to identity theft and financial loss.

The SSA warns retirees to be skeptical of unsolicited communications, especially those demanding immediate action or payment.

Key signs of a scam include requests for payment via gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

The SSA will never demand immediate payment, send unsolicited attachments, threaten legal action, or ask for payment with unconventional methods.

Be Skeptical: Treat all unsolicited communications from government agencies with caution. Verify the sender's authenticity by contacting the agency directly through official channels.

Do Not Click: Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments in suspicious emails or messages.

Protect Your Information: Never provide personal or financial information to unverified sources.

Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspected scams to the SSA OIG and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

A:: Look for these signs: the email asks for urgent action, requests payment with gift cards or cryptocurrency, contains unsolicited attachments, or comes from an address that doesn't end in ".gov".

A:: Stop all communication with the scammer, contact your financial institutions, report the scam to the SSA OIG and the FTC, and file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.