Social Security fraud is rampant — and increasing.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that scammers took about $3 billion from Social Security beneficiaries in 2022. That was a staggering 84 percent higher than the previous year.
Here are some of the most notorious scams. If anyone contacts you in person, by mail, or electronically with messages that follow any of these themes, call the Social Security Administration's
fraud prevention and reporting hotline at 800-269-0271.
1. A phone call message from someone who claims to be an SSA employee. Do not respond — call the fraud hotline.
2. An unexpected demand for money. The scammer says you owe some money as a penalty or due to overpayment of benefits. They may threaten you, but again, do not respond. Call the fraud hotline at 800-269-0271.
3. Someone contacts you to say that your Social Security number has been suspended and you must provide personal information to "reactivate" your number. The SSA never suspends Social Security numbers. Never give your information out to anyone.
