• The Social Security Administration (SSA) warned Americans to be aware of thieves trying to steal their money by obtaining sensitive personal information. The agency is raising concerns as part of its National Consumer Protection Week, which runs from March 2 to March 8.
• Officials said scammers often impersonate Social Security representatives through calls, text messages, emails, fake websites and direct messages on social media.
• Criminals will often claim there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or benefits, using spoofed caller IDs to appear official and send fake documents to pressure victims into handing over money or personal information.

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The Social Security Administration is warning Americans to be aware of thieves trying to steal their money by obtaining sensitive personal information.

The agency raised concerns as part of its National Consumer Protection Week, which runs from March 2 to March 8.

How do scammers pull off fraud operations?

Officials said scammers often impersonate Social Security representatives through calls, text messages, emails, fake websites and direct messages on social media.

Criminals often claim there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or benefits. Scammers will often use spoofed caller IDs to appear authentic and send fake documents to pressure victims into handing over money or personal information.

The agency said fraudsters have even created fake social media pages, claiming to be associated with the SSA to lure victims. They will often use other tactics, including providing fake badge numbers and use fraudulent Social Security letterheads.

What is the Social Security Administration advising?

Social Security Administration officials reminded Americans, they will never demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone, or request wire transfers of funds or cryptocurrency.

How much money have Americans lost?

Officials said the number of scam attempts has reportedly fallen in recent years. However, Americans still lost more than $10 billion in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Who are the most likely victims?

According to the SSA, older Americans are much more likely to be victims of fraud. Those between the ages of 70 and 84 lose an average of $11,902 to scams as opposed to those under the age of 29, losing an average of $2,346 to criminals.

What should people do if they suspect a scam?

The acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration urged people to hang up and ignore messages from fraudsters and report scams to the agency at oig.ssa.gov.