Are there any Social Security scams going on?

Yes, Social Security scams are always ongoing, though they can change forms over time. If you have any concerns about whether you're encountering a scam, it's best to avoid giving out personal information and contact the Social Security Administration directly. Do not use any contact methods provided to you by the suspicious caller or message.

How can I tell if an email is really from the SSA?

If the Social Security Administration has to contact you regarding your benefits, it typically reaches out by mail rather than email. You can always contact the Social Security Administration by phone or visit your local Social Security office if you're unsure whether an email is legitimate. Avoid clicking on links within the email.

Can I check to see whether my SSN has been compromised?

Regularly reviewing your credit reports can help you identify whether someone is using your Social Security number to commit fraudulent activity. If you see accounts you don't recognize, contact the financial institution associated with the account and the credit bureau as soon as possible.

What are the most common Social Security scams?

Some common Social Security scams include pretending there's a problem with your existing benefits, promising a benefit increase if you'll verify information, or insisting that you were overpaid and must now pay benefits back.

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How to Avoid Social Security Scams

By Kailey Hagen – Updated Mar 2, 2026 at 3:32 PM EST | Fact-checked by Margo Winton Parodi

Key Points

Scammers exploit Social Security numbers to open fraudulent credit accounts.
Beware of fake demands for money and promises to increase benefits or resolve account issues.
Social Security benefits auto-adjust in January; never pay for this or similar free services.

It's an unfortunate fact of life that wherever large sums of money are flowing, there are scammers who want to take it. Social Security paid the average recipient more than $2,000 per month as of December 2025, and with tens of millions of Social Security beneficiaries in the United States, scammers see lots of opportunities to take advantage.

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A graphic sharing ways to avoid Social Security scams, like regularly checking your credit report and not trusting caller ID. — Image source: The Motley Fool.

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2. There's a problem with your Social Security number

Scammers pretending to be helpful may tell you that your Social Security account has been compromised. They'll ask you to verify personal details to avoid disruption of your benefits.

Legitimate Social Security representatives will not contact you by phone or email to collect personal details.

3. You're owed a COLA

In this scam, the trickster asks you for something so you can get a benefit increase or cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The request might be to share personal information or pay a fee. Either way, it's a trap.

What scammers don't want you to know is that Social Security adjusts your benefits every January automatically. Under no circumstances should you ever have to pay the SSA a fee in exchange for a higher benefit.

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4. You can buy essential Social Security services

Another scam involves selling services that Social Security normally provides for free. Examples are replacing lost Social Security cards, providing income records, and projecting future benefits.

Social Security doesn't sell services. Anyone who tries to charge you for services is committing fraud.

5. You need to activate Medicare

Legitimate Social Security representatives will not call you to activate your Medicare coverage. If you receive a request to enroll in Medicare, it is likely a scam.

Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65. If you are already collecting Social Security, your Medicare enrollment is automatic. You should receive paperwork in the mail a few months before your 65th birthday.

If you are not yet receiving Social Security, you can sign up for Medicare three months before you turn 65, either online or by calling Social Security at 800-772-1213. But nobody legitimate will call you to activate your Medicare coverage or tell you that you need to pay a fee to sign up.

6. You have been fined or overpaid

Imposters may say you've been fined or overpaid benefits. They'll ask for money to cover the fine or repay benefits. Usually, they "require" this payment in a specific format, such as cash, prepaid debit cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or retail gift cards.

Legitimate Social Security representatives won't ask for money. Period.

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Social Security scams FAQs

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About the Author

Kailey Hagen, CFP, is a contributing Motley Fool retirement analyst covering Social Security, Medicare, and retirement planning. Before The Motley Fool, Kailey was a research analyst for Reviews.com focusing on credit and banking products. She is a Certified Financial Planner® and holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

If you're concerned about potential issues with your benefits or want to verify the legitimacy of a call you receive, simply hang up and contact the SSA directly or visit your local Social Security office. For reference, the national 800 number for the Social Security Administration is 1-800-772-1213.

3. Do not provide personal information

Do not provide bank account or identity information to anyone who has reached out to you via phone, text, or mail. Such requests are usually fraudulent.

If you think the request might be legitimate, get the agency's name, look up the phone number independently, and call back.

4. Securely store your Social Security number

Sharing your Social Security number inadvertently can expose you to identity theft -- even if you haven't received a fraudulent phone call or text.

Memorize your Social Security number and leave the card in a safe place. Do not carry it with you. Don't write your number down or share it in public.

5. Regularly check your credit reports

If you are a victim of identity theft, you'll see new, unfamiliar credit accounts pop up on your credit report. Checking your credit activity regularly helps you catch problems early, as well as minimize the financial and legal consequences.

How to Avoid Social Security Scams

Key Points