Social Security Beneficiaries Warned of Scam That Can Lead to “Devastating Financial Losses”

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Takeaways

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is warning beneficiaries of an impersonation scam with devastating consequences for retirees. Officials say government imposter scams, in which criminals pretend to work for the SSA or other government agencies, are some of the most common in the U.S. In 2025, the Federal Trade Commission recorded a 25% spike in impersonation scams, sending the total over 330,000, according to the SSA.

The scam, which can happen via phone call, text, email, website, social media or direct message, is often built around an alleged problem with the would-be victim’s Social Security benefit or Social Security number.

SSA officials are warning of a sharp uptick in 2026 of government imposter scam emails that purport to provide access to a beneficiary’s Social Security statement. Clicking a link in the email, however, can expose personal information leading to “identity theft, financial loss, or compromised data,” the SSA warns.

Tips for avoiding a scam

SSA officials encourage beneficiaries to be on the lookout for red flags such as alleged officials using pressure tactics, demanding immediate payment, sending unsolicited attachments or download links, making threats or offering to move one’s money to protect it.

Additional red flags include requesting payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, cash or gold.

The administration is also notifying beneficiaries of the following warning signs when it comes to email scams:

  • Messages claiming your Social Security statement is ready to download
  • Embedded links or attachments labeled as statements or documents
  • Messages creating urgency or pressure to act immediately
  • Sender addresses that do not end in “.gov”

Officials urge beneficiaries not to click on links, open attachments, or provide any personal information. Any suspicious correspondence can be reported to the SSA at oig.ssa.gov/report, as well as the FTC and FBI.

Social Security recipients who wish to check on their account can do so by going directly to ssa.gov/myaccount.

Beneficiaries who think their information or finances have been compromised are also advised to cut off all contact with the suspected scammer, contact their financial institutions, and reach out to local law enforcement if money was lost.

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