The SSA inspector general’s office has said it is seeing new forms of scams designed to steal Social Security numbers, including one using the agency’s logo and referencing a “recent cyberattack” on the agency’s database.
“If you receive something that looks official, please take a few extra moments and read the message carefully. You may notice that the message is written by someone who doesn’t know English very well. It may have misspelled words or poor grammar,” the IG said.
Also continuing are text message scams, including a message asking people to call information about their benefit claim, and phone scams, including one in which persons posing as SSA employees request birth date information.
“SSA employees may call you in limited situations, such as if you recently filed a claim or have other Social Security business, but you should not have to provide your personal information, like your Social Security number or bank account number. Agency employees will not make unsolicited calls and request personal information,” the notice says.
To verify the legitimacy of text messages, emails, or phone calls, contact a local Social Security office, or call Social Security’s customer service line at 1 800-772-1213—and never use phone numbers or links provided in a suspicious message, email or call, it says.
