The Social Security Administration (SSA) has given a strong warning about the growing number of scams targeting Social Security numbers and benefits. The whole issue of scams has been a nuisance across the globe, mainly due to the rise of technology.
With modern technology and new software, these scammers are using email, phone calls, text messages, fake websites, and even social media to impersonate SSA officials and pressure people into surrendering sensitive personal information or dollars.
As per The Mirror, these highly skilled, nasty groups use fear as a factor to fool older adults and churn huge chunks of money from them. For instance, the beneficiaries are told that they have been overpaid and if they do not make immediate payments for the extra money they receive, there will be consequences.
According to a report by Money Digest, “The SSA reports that while most scam types declined, the Social Security scam surged in 2024, with retirees aged 70 to 84 and 85 and above losing an average of $7,492 to $11,902 per incident.” Many skilled scammers include fake documents and spoofed caller IDs to appear legitimate.
Furthermore, scams through email are also becoming increasingly common. The SSA’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has flagged scam emails as especially common. These messages may seem official but often contain red flags, which include unexpected requests to give out personal details, misspelled words, weird punctuation and urgent language demanding immediate action for payments.
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Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit and acting Inspector General, said, “While these emails appear to be from SSA, they are designed to trick you into clicking links to gain access to your device or steal your personal information. Always go directly to SSA.gov to view your statements or account.”
Other ways to spot a scam through a phone call include instances when the caller or sender claims there’s a problem or offers a prize, and a person is asked to pay Social Security using unusual methods, with an urgent tone.
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Therefore, to ensure total safety from such fraud, retirees should not give out their Social Security numbers and personal data to anyone without proper verification. In addition, they must keep in mind that they must use strong and unique passwords or give out their personal information unless they initiate contact through an official SSA channel.
If anyone receives a questionable email claiming to be from the SSA, do not respond or click any links. Instead, independently contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office to verify the claim.
Meanwhile, the SSA department is working towards introducing secure digital access to social security numbers for American citizens. As per sources, this step will be in process in early summer 2025, and individuals with a “my Social Security” account will be able to view their SSN online, securely, via the portal of the SSA.
This new change will make things easier for folks who don’t remember their SSN cards but will be able to access their number without the need for an in-person visit, or they can also wait for a replacement card, which will eventually arrive by mail.
The SSA just emailed millions bragging about a “tech innovation”:
🌟 You can now access your Social Security number online! 🌟Meanwhile, Norway built BankID (full digital identity) in 2000
The U.S. digitized a paper card from 1936 — in 2025
Biggest and best tech?😂
Ranking🧵 pic.twitter.com/krdvLKSQjD
— Flortrax (@Flortrax) April 26, 2025
Besides, this digital access by the organization is motivated by simplifying the process and eventually reducing the risks and incidents of lost or stolen cards, which seems to be a much-needed step amidst the rising cases of financial fraud.
“We are proud to offer this new digital solution to our account holders,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of the SSA. “This enhancement reflects our commitment to providing better service to the public while ensuring that their personal information remains secure.”
Be aware, be safe and reach out to the official authorities in case of any doubts or trouble! Remember, your money is your responsibility.
