Dawn Bystry, the Acting Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications for the Social Security Administration, offers a piece on Social Security scams:
Social Security imposter scams continue to be widespread
across the United States. Scammers use targeted, sophisticated tactics to
deceive you into providing sensitive information or money.
If you receive a
suspicious letter, text, email, or call, do not respond. We want you to know
how to identify a scammer and avoid becoming a victim.
We will NEVER:
- Text or email images of an employee’s official
government identification.
- Suspend your Social Security number.
- Threaten you with arrest or other legal action
unless you immediately pay a fine or fee.
- Require payment by retail gift card, wire transfer,
internet currency, or cash by mail.
- Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in
exchange for payment.
- Mail or email “official” letters or reports
containing your personal information.
We only send text
messages if you have opted in to receive texts from us and only in limited
situations, including the following:
- When you have subscribed to receive updates and
notifications by text.
- As part of our enhanced security when accessing your
personal my Social
Security account.
If you owe money to
us, we will mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights.
We encourage you to report suspected Social Security imposter scams — and other Social Security fraud — to the OIG’s website. You can find more information about scams on our webpage Protect Yourself from Scams. Please share this information with your friends, family, and colleagues to help spread awareness about Social Security imposter scams.
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