Stay Safe: Slam the Scam
Scammers often target people who receive Social Security disability benefits. According to Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG), there has been a significant increase in scam emails pretending to be from the government and requesting or offering access to your Social Security information.
Here are some ways you can identify a scam and what you can do if you believe you may have been a victim.
Common Scam Warning Signs
Scammers often reach out by phone, text, email, or social media, pretending to be government employees. Social Security will never threaten people or demand immediate payment.
A few common warning signs include:
- Messages claiming your Social Security statement is ready to download
- Embedded links or attachments labeled as statements or documents
- Pressure to act immediately or face consequences, including demanding payment
- Sender addresses that do not end in .gov
- Requests for personal information
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
Because scam emails often use formal language, logos, and colors, they can be mistaken as legitimate. If you are unsure about an email or message you receive:
- Do not click links or open attachments in unsolicited messages.
- Do not respond or provide personal information.
- To access or set up your Social Security account, go directly to ssa.gov/myaccount. Type the link into your browser and do not tap a link provided in a message.
- Report suspicious emails immediately.
If You Think You Have Been a Victim of a Scam
It is important to be vigilant when sending or receiving any form of communication, but mistakes do happen. If you think you may have been the victim of a scam (clicked a link, downloaded an attachment, or provided personal information), here is what you can do:
- Stop all communication with the suspected scammer.
- Contact your financial institutions to protect accounts.
- Report the incident to the Social Security’s OIG at oig.ssa.gov/report.
- File a complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov.
- If financial loss occurs, contact local law enforcement.
Staying Organized with Your Ticket to Work Providers
If you are a Ticket to Work participant, your Employment Network (EN) or State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency will likely reach out to you to maintain contact on your path to employment. Keep a list of the organizations you work with and the phone numbers they use. You can also automatically save their phone number as a contact in your phone. If something seems odd, ask the person to confirm their identity or send information in writing.
How to Get Started with Ticket to Work
If you are ready to explore your work options, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; or visit choosework.ssa.gov.
