Anyone who has a Social Security card and receives Social Security benefits is at risk of being the victim of a Social Security scam. Given that over 66 million Americans receive these benefits at an average rate of $1,776 per month, it’s no surprise that Social Security scams are among the most lucrative and widespread telephonic scams in the United States.

Social Security scams on the phone are particularly pernicious, as new cell phone technology allows scammers to mask and misrepresent their identity to targets. Finally, given that older adults are slow to adapt to new technology, there is a greater learning curve among the generations that receive Social Security benefits during retirement in regards to common telephonic scams.

Scammers use calls, emails, text messages, and notifications to trick people into giving up personal information. By becoming familiar with the most common telephone scams, Social Security recipients can protect themselves and their Social Security benefits.

Top 3 Social Security Scams on the Telephone

Scammers are shameless and professional. They will use many tactics to trick unsuspecting Americans out of their Social Security benefits. It is crucial to be vigilant and cautious whenever giving information over the telephone. Here are a few of the most common tactics that criminals use.

1. Threatening Phone Calls

These phone calls often come from phone numbers that have used technology to mask their true origin. Some calls even appear to be originating from the Social Security Administration (SSA) itself. The voice on the phone may be robotic, or may be a real person masquerading under the name of a real Social Security official.

The fraudulent caller often advises the recipient that due to recent improper or illegal activity on the victim's Social Security account, there is a warrant for their arrest or they will face legal action unless they call a certain phone number.

The good news is that spotting this kind of call is easy: the SSA never threatens people for information, will never disclose that you face arrest or legal action, and will never require that you call a number and share personal information over the phone. Additionally, the SSA does not disclose such information via text.

The SSA will never ask for personal information, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, dependants, or other information, over the phone.

2. Friendly Service Calls

In contrast to threatening phone calls, scammers also use the opposite tack and try to entice members to give up their personal information in exchange for “upgrades” to their current benefits. The caller may offer new Social Security cards or records of your contributions. They then ask that the victim simply verify their number to receive these benefits. Remember, the SSA will never ask for personal information, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, dependants, or other information, over the phone, even to confirm new benefits or programs.

3. Phishing

Phishing is when scammers send official-looking emails or text messages to victims requesting personal information. These emails often have attachments that feature the SSA’s seal and font style.

How To Protect Yourself from Telephone Social Security Scams

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from Social Security scams on the telephone is to stay vigilant, and check in with trusted loved ones. Remember the rule: the Social Security Administration will NEVER ask you for personal information over the phone, or send you links to documents that would require such information. If you are unsure about a phone call or message, check in with a trusted person to get their input. Always store your Social Security card securely, and monitor your credit score and financial information regularly to spot any sudden changes.

Finally, if you are the victim of an attempted or a successful Social Security scam on the telephone, contact the office of the inspector general hotline at 1-800-269-0271, or submit a fraud report online at the SSA scam reporting form. This form will not ask you for personal information!

New FCC regulations in the TRACED Act require all telephone service providers to use STIR-SHAKEN call authentication tokens to prevent SPAM/robocalls and fraudulent calls like the ones outlined above. Prescott-Martini is a stir-shaken token database operator that provides services telecoms must have to meet changing government regulations. Contact Prescott-Martini for information.