Social Security Scam Awareness
With the release of the Ticket to Work Beneficiary Satisfaction Survey, we wanted to remind you how to spot a Social Security scam. Social Security imposter scams continue to be widespread across the United States. Scammers use targeted, sophisticated tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money.
If you receive a suspicious phone call, email or text regarding the survey, do not respond. If you are chosen for the survey, you will receive an invitation letter in the mail. We are not making any phone calls related to the survey unless you request a call back from our Survey Help Desk toll-free number at1-855-205-3782.
We want you to know how to identify a scammer and avoid becoming a victim.
Social Security will NEVER:
- Text or email images of an employee's official government identification.
- Suspend your Social Security number.
- Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you 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.
- Mail or email "official" letters or reports containing your personal information.
Social Security will only send text messages if you have opted in to receive texts from them and only in limited situations, including the following:
- When you have subscribed to receive updates and notifications by text.
- As part of their enhanced security when accessing your personal my Social Security account.
If you owe money to Social Security, they will mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights.
We encourage you to report suspected Social Security imposter scams—and other Social Security fraud—to the Office of the Inspector General's website. You can find more information about scams on their webpage Protect Yourself from Scams. Please share this information with your friends, family, and colleagues to help spread awareness about Social Security imposter scams.
