Originally published on 11/19/25

The Social Security Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG) is warning Americans about a new scam targeting victims via text, email or letter. The SSA describes this latest con as a “high-pressure scam” that results in identity theft and financial fraud. We share everything you need to know about this Social Security scam, including how to protect yourself, below. 

What to know about the new Social Security scam

According to a press release issued by the SSA OIG, scammers are sending out letters, texts or emails with the subject line, “Alert: Social Security Account Issues Detected.” The body of the message claims that the person’s Social Security number will be suspended within 24 hours due to some unexplained criminal activity—unless they call the number provided to them. Once they get the target on the phone, the scammers will impersonate a SSA employee and demand that the caller gives them a variety of personal information, all in the hopes of either stealing the person’s identity or hacking them. 

“The SSA Office of the Inspector General will never send letters like this,” stated Michelle L. Anderson, Acting Inspector General. “Scammers continue to exploit fear and confusion by using official-looking letters and real SSA employee names to threaten you and convince you they’re legitimate so that you will respond and provide them with your personal information and money. If you get an unexpected call, text, email, letter, or social media message from SSA OIG or any government agency, pause and think scam first. The person contacting you may not be who they claim to be.” 

As of publication, there is no information on how many of these messages have been sent out. There is also no news on how many people fell victim to it. 

In March of this year though, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that consumers had lost over $12.5 billion to fraud and scams in 2024 alone. This is a 25 percent increase from previous years. The reason for the jump, according to Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection? “Scammers’ tactics are constantly evolving.”

“The data we’re releasing today shows that,” he continued. “The FTC is monitoring those trends closely and working hard to protect the American people from fraud.” 

How to protect yourself from the newest Social Security scam

Along with the scam warning, the SSA OIG also shared several ways you can protect yourself, including being wary of people claiming to be from the SSA and not sharing personal information to people you don’t know. 

The organization also recommends following them on  X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn. This will help you stay up to date on the latest scam information and get advice on how to best move forward should you receive a suspicious message.  

Also smart: block unwanted calls—a step the FTC says is the most effective thing Americans can do to avoid being a target. And never send money to anyone, no matter what. 

“Don’t believe anyone who says you have to quickly move your money to ‘protect’ it. Anyone who tells you that is a scammer,” the FTC says.  “If there’s a problem with your account or identity, always talk about it with someone you trust — especially if the stranger on the phone says it’s serious or involves a crime or claims to be from the government.” 

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/life/money/new-social-security-scam-targets-americans-via-text