Social Security Cyber Scams

Learn how to protect yourself from Social Security Cyber Scams

Did you know that multigenerational households are a growing trend in the United States? The Pew Research Center reports that there were 59.7 million U.S. residents who lived with multiple generations under one roof in 2021, compared with 58.4 million in 2019. This is important to these households in particular because scammers have been posing as officials from the Social Security Administration (SSA), Office of the Inspector General (OIG), and the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC).  According to Investopedia, in 2024 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) logged 33,072 imposter scam reports involving Social Security with estimated losses totaling around $71 million. Also concerning, during Q1 FY 2024 (Oct–Dec 2023), the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General (SSA OIG) received 17,032 scam allegations, marking a 22.1% increase over the previous year!

Financial fraud is widespread across generations, but higher among baby boomers and Gen X-ers. Unfortunately, these scams aren’t showing any signs of slowing down. In fact, Americans over 60 lost more than $3.4 billion to fraud in 2024. So, whether you are living in a multigenerational household or independently, here are some insights about Social Security-related scams and what you can do about them.

Scammers Use Psychology and Technology

Successful Social Security cyber scams create a sense of urgency. The scam thrives on fear. This approach is effective because no one wants to lose their benefits or repay overages to the federal governments. Threats that mention garnished wages send a strong message.

Cybercriminals also use advanced tech to enhance their impact. Here are two successful techniques to be aware of:

• Caller ID spoofing lets scammers impersonate legitimate SSA numbers, making robocalls ‘appear’ authentic.
• AI-powered phishing, deepfakes, and voice cloning produce convincing impersonations of federal officials further blurring the line between real and fake communications.

Three Smart Tips to Avoid Being Scammed

While Social Security cyber scams are prevalent, it’s important to note that federal agencies like SSA and OVC will never demand payment, threaten arrest or legal action for non-payment on the spot. They also won’t demand payment via gift cards/crypto/wire transfers or arrange to pick up cash in person. Anyone claiming to be an official SSA or OIG agent asking to meet in person or saying that they’ll send wire instructions via email should be viewed as a red flag. In fact, if you or someone you know receives an unexpected call, text, email, or letter, pause and contact the SSA office directly. Do not use any phone numbers or emails provided by the sender. Here are some other steps that you can take:

1. Scrutinize Communications
Federal agencies typically communicate serious inquiries via mail. Again, the SSA will not call to demand immediate payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or threaten arrest. Also important, if you receive a phone call and even if the caller ID shows “SSA,” please be aware Caller IDs can be spoofed. To verify communications, hang up and contact the official SSA hotline directly.

2. Use tech wisely
Confirm information first by visiting the official SSA site directly. Always verify the website and mailing address for any communications from federal agencies. Ask for help if you need to. Do not click links from unsolicited communications. Never voluntarily share your personal information, such as your SSN or banking details.

3. Regular Monitoring
Americans can protect their federal benefits by regularly checking their finances and updating their passwords regularly.

In closing, Social Security–themed cyber scams will continue to grow and evolve. Modern cyber scammers may harness spoofing, AI-enhanced deception, and deep-fake technologies. Staying informed and taking the initiative is critical to fending off and verifying suspicious requests.

You can check for Social Security scam alerts here: https://lnkd.in/gipBHD8j