How to Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams

Scammers are impersonating the Social Security Administration by sending recipients what appears to be an official letter, asking them to contact the toll-free number to activate and receive an increase in Social Security benefits and cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA).

Scammers are becoming cleverer by sending fraudulent emails with attachments from Social Security using real names and law enforcement badge credentials. Also, recipients receive text messages to click on a ‘’learn more ‘’ link about Social Security-related issues to retrieve personal information. COLA is automatic for all SSA recipients and does not require activation.

Beneficiaries can view their COLA notice through their Social Security account - https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount

Beware of Scammers:

➢ Threatens to suspend your Social Security number

➢ Warns of arrest or taking legal action

➢ Demands immediate payment requests

➢ Requires a form of payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, Internet currency, or by mailing cash

➢ Pressures you for personal information (date of birth, SSN, or bank account number)

➢ Requests secrecy

➢ Threatens to seize your bank account

➢ Promises to increase your Social Security benefits

➢ Tries to gain your trust by providing fake “documentation,” false “evidence,” or the name of a real government information, even if they claim they have some of the information

➢ Makes demands and threats, or requests immediate action.

If you receive a suspicious call, text message, email, or letter, contact the DC Senior Medicare Patrol at (202) 434-2099 to report suspected fraud.