11/15/2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has recently warned about several scam tactics, most notably fraudulent letters using fake U.S. Supreme Court letterhead to trick recipients into providing personal information or money. Scammers also widely use calls and texts claiming problems with one's Social Security number to induce fear.
Key Scam Tactics to Watch For
Scammers frequently change their methods, but they consistently use certain tactics to deceive people:
Fake Supreme Court Letters: Fraudulent letters, personalized and using counterfeit U.S. Supreme Court letterhead with forged signatures of Justices, falsely claim the recipient is under investigation for tax fraud or has frozen assets.
Threats and Urgency: Scammers often threaten you with arrest, legal action, or benefit suspension unless you take immediate action or make a payment. They pressure you to act quickly before you can verify their claims.
Demands for Specific Payments: The SSA will never require payment for a fine or fee using retail gift cards, wire transfers, internet currency (like Bitcoin), or by mailing cash.
Requests for Sensitive Information: Be cautious of unexpected contact asking for personal details, such as your Social Security number, bank account information, or passwords.
"Protected" Bank Accounts: A new scam involves telling victims to move their money to a "protected" government account. The SSA will never tell you to do this.
Spoofed Contact Information: Scammers may "spoof" official government phone numbers or send official-looking documents via email, text, or mail to appear legitimate.
Benefit Increase Offers: Scammers might promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment or personal information.
How to Protect Yourself and Report Scams
The SSA and OIG urge the public to "Slam the Scam" by staying skeptical of unsolicited communications.
Hang up or ignore the message: If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email, do not respond or engage with the caller/sender.
Do not click links or attachments: Avoid clicking on any links or downloading attachments in unsolicited emails or text messages.
Verify information independently: If you have concerns about your Social Security account, find the official contact information on the SSA.gov website and contact them directly, rather than using a number provided in a suspicious message.
Talk to a trusted person: Discuss any major financial decisions with a trusted family member or friend.
Report the scam: You can report Social Security-related scams through the OIG's dedicated online form at oig.ssa.gov/report. For other scams, report them to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
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