【《We Chinese in America》Media Editor Tang Zhao, December 19, 2022】As the holiday season is here, many peopler spend the holidays relaxing and sharing in goodwill with friends and family. But some bad actors use the holidays to take advantage of people’s generous spirits. Scammers frequently target the older and other more vulnerable members of our communities. They pretend they are from Social Security or another government agency to steal your money or personal information.

Caller ID, texts, or documents sent by email may look official, but they are not. Fraudsters are calling to verify information about the 2023 cost-of-living adjustment for people who get benefits. Remember, this adjustment is automatic and a beneficiary does not need to verify anything. Social Security won’t ask you to provide information or money to get your benefit increase. Know that how we do business with you doesn’t change because it’s the holidays. We may email or text you about programs and services, but we will never ask for personal information via email or text.

Recognizing the signs of a scam can help you avoid falling victim to one. These scams primarily use the telephone to contact you, but scammers may also use email, text messages, social media, or U.S. mail. Scammers pretend to be from an agency or organization you know to gain your trust. Scammers say there is a problem with your Social Security number or account. Scammers pressure you to act immediately. Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way.

Know what to look for and be alert. Scammers don’t take days off and neither should you… when it comes to making sure you identify suspicious communications and report it. If you receive a questionable call, text, or email, hang up or don’t respond and report it at oig.ssa.gov/report. Scammers frequently change their methods with new tactics and messages to trick people. 

How to Spot a Government Imposter Scam

Scammers are pretending to be government employees. They may threaten you and may demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or other legal action. These criminals continue to evolve and find new ways to steal your money and personal information. Do not fall for it! We want you to know how you and your loved ones can avoid becoming victims!

Be Alert

If you owe money to Social Security, Social Security Administration will mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights. Social Security only accepts payments electronically through Pay.gov, Online Bill Pay, or physically by check or money order through its offices. Social Security  will never:

• Threaten you with arrest or legal action because you don’t agree to pay  Social Security money immediately.
• Suspend your Social Security number.
• Promise a benefit increase in exchange for money.
• Ask you to send us gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, Internet currency, cryptocurrency, or cash through the U.S. mail.

Social Security only sends emails or text messages if you have opted in to receive them and only in limited situations, including the following:

• When you have subscribed with Social Security to receive updates and notifications by text or email.
• As part of Social Security’s enhanced security when accessing your personal my Social Security account.

Social Security may email or text you about programs and services but will never ask for a return call to an unknown number or ask for personal information.

Know What to Look for

• The caller or sender says there is a problem of your Social Security number or account.
• Any call, text, or email asking you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash.
• Scammers pretend they are from Social Security or another government agency. Caller ID, texts, or documents sent by email may look official, but they are not.
• Callers threaten you with arrest or other legal action.
• Internet scammers may use “phishing” schemes to trick a recipient into revealing personal information by clicking on malicious links or attachment.