You get a call or an email that says there is a problem with your Social Security account. The person on the phone or the email says they are from the government.. The Social Security Administration says these messages are not real. They are scams.

In 2025 there were a lot of scams where people pretended to be someone. The Federal Trade Commission says there were over 330,000 cases. This is an increase from before.

You need to know how to protect yourself from these scams.

### How Scammers Pretend To Be The Government

Scammers are getting better at tricking people. They use ways to make you think they are real:

Fake Phone Number Your phone might say the call is from the Social Security Administration. It is not.

Fake Papers: Scammers might send you papers that look real. They are not.

Fake Emails:  Scammers send emails that look like they are from the Social Security Administration. They are not.

Warning Signs Of A Scam Email

The Social Security Administration says to watch out for these signs of a scam email:

1. Unexpected Messages: If you get an email that says your Social Security statement is ready. You did not ask for it.

2. Bad Links: If an email has links or attachments that say they are official. They are not.

3. **Scary Language:** If an email says you have to do something away or your benefits will stop.

4. **Wrong Email Address:** If an email does not come from an address it is a scam.

> **Good Advice:** Do not give your Social Security number to someone who calls you or sends you an email. If you want to check your Social Security account go to the Social Security website

### What To Do If You Get Scammed

If you get a call, text or email do these things:

* **. Delete:** Do not click on links or open attachments. Hang up the phone.

* **Tell Someone:** Report the scam to the Social Security Administration at oig.ssa.gov/report and, to the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI.

* **Protect Your Money:** If you think your information has been stolen call your bank and the police.

Scammers try to scare you. If you know what to do you can protect yourself. Be careful. Do not give out your personal information.

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*Have you gotten a call or email that seemed suspicious?*