Never trust this: the US government and the SSA urge everyone to be very careful

The United States Government and the Social Security Administration (SSA) have issued an urgent alert for all citizens. They want you to stay very alert if you suspect anything concerning about Social Security.

This notice isn't a rumor; it's an official warning. If you receive a strange call, message, or email, it's vital that you know what's happening. SSA, together with their Office of the Inspector General (OIG), warns that scammers are impersonating government agents.

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They may call you by phone, send a text, an email, social media messages, or even letters by mail pretending to be SSA or IRS. All of this is aimed at stealing your Social Security Number (SSN) or money.

Scammers even "spoof" official numbers to make it look like it's coming from SSA or local police. They may threaten to suspend your SSN, arrest you, or fine you if you don't pay with a gift card, cryptocurrency, or bank transfer. This is completely false.

Check your credit reports; if you don't recognize a new account or see strange charges, it could be a sign of misuse. Log in to your "my Social Security" account at ssa.gov to review your benefits and reported earnings.

If you receive a real notice, it'll be by mail, not by call or text asking for personal information. Verify calls; SSA will never demand information or payments by phone and won't pressure you to act immediately.

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Take note of these key reactions: Hang up immediately. Never confirm the last digits of your SSN or share bank information, pension, or password.

Don't pay anything, never with a gift card, bank call, or prepaid. Don't respond to suspicious messages: Neither email links nor strange social media messages. Report the threat, call SSA's fraud line (1‑800‑269‑0271) or go to fraud.oig.ssa.gov.

SSA offers several tools for your security, such as detailed public information about scam signs. Also about false threats, pressure, money requests, suspicious links, or fake documents. All of this with the support of their Office of the Inspector General.

In addition, there are online "my Social Security" accounts, where you can review activity and security settings. There's also the fraud hotline and website to report scams and misuse cases.