Social Security Scammers Are Switching Tactics

With all the warnings about fraudulent phone calls, it looks like scammers are turning to texts and emails to try to steal your personal information or money.

According to a report by WGAL News 8 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, educated viewers have been sending in text messages and emails they’ve received claiming to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and stating that their Social Security number is part of a criminal case. The correspondence looks very convincing, even using the agency’s logo and a watermark. As a reminder, the SSA will not contact you via email or text message; it does use a mailed letter.

The Seniors Trust is working to protect seniors and the Social Security system. We are pushing Congress to pass the Social Security Expansion Act. This landmark piece of legislation will make four major changes to Social Security for retirees: increase monthly benefits; establish a fair annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA); reduce senior poverty; and guarantee the long-term solvency of the Social Security program.