Brands

Social Security scams

Reviewed reports that pretend to be Social Security. The real agency does not demand payment by phone or gift card.

• Fake Social Security COLA or benefit-increase fee
  Impersonation — After Social Security announced the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment, scammers began contacting people and offering to 'activate' the increase or raise payments for a fee. The COLA is automatic. You do not need to register or pay to receive it.
• Caller who 'helps' you move your own money
  Phone call — Scammers tell Social Security beneficiaries that a bank employee is committing fraud and that the only way to protect their money is to transfer it. They may stay on the phone for hours and even coach you through a call with your real bank.
• Fake 'transfer' to Social Security after a retailer call
  Phone call — A caller pretends to be a store, a bank, or another agency, then claims to transfer you to Social Security or its inspector general. That kind of transfer cannot happen, and it is always a scam.
• Medicare card expired or needs verification call
  Phone call — During and around Medicare open enrollment, scammers call and say your Medicare card has expired, is lost, or needs to be verified. Medicare will not call first to ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or a payment.
• Social Security imposter using a real employee name and fake badge
  Impersonation — Scammers have been using real Social Security or OIG employee names, fake badge photos, and social media profiles to look official. A real government employee will not send a badge picture or demand payment by gift card, gold, or crypto.
• Fake job interview, offer letter, and upfront fee
  Job — Scammers post jobs on real job boards, hold interviews, and even send offer letters that use a company's name and logo. Then they ask for money or sensitive information, or they send a fake check and tell you to send some of it back.
• IRS refund or tax-problem text and email
  Text — Scammers send texts, emails, or social media messages that look like they came from the IRS. They often use urgent language and QR codes that lead to fake IRS websites asking you to 'verify' an account or claim a refund.