If you receive Social Security, you are a prime target for scammers — and the problem is only getting worse. In 2023 alone, seniors over 60 lost an estimated $3.4 billion to financial scams. That’s billions taken from people who need it most, including low income seniors living on fixed incomes.
Scammers know seniors are often on limited budgets, and they’ve developed elaborate schemes to steal your money, your benefits, and even your identity. Below, we’ll walk through the most common scams affecting Social Security recipients, the brand-new phone scam recently announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and how you can protect yourself.
1. Fake Government Calls
The SSA recently warned about a new four-part phone scam that began in late July. Scammers pose as trusted government agencies like the SSA, Office of the Inspector General, Department of Justice, or the Office for Victims of Crime. They claim there’s an urgent problem with your account, such as a suspended Social Security number or a cost of living adjustment that requires payment. Then they demand payment in untraceable ways such as cash, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
Once they succeed, they may scam you again by pretending to be another agency offering help to recover your loss.
To protect yourself, remember that the SSA will never threaten arrest, demand immediate payment, or require unusual payment methods. If you receive one of these calls, hang up and call the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213.
2. Medicare Scams
Medicare and Medicaid lost over $100 billion to improper payments in 2023. These scams often focus on stealing your personal and Medicare information so fraudsters can bill the government in your name. Tactics include offering “free” medical equipment, claiming you need a new Medicare card, or saying your benefits will be canceled unless you confirm your details.
If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself. Never share personal information unless you initiated the contact.
3. Grandparent Scams
In this heartbreaking scam, a caller pretends to be your grandchild in trouble — maybe they’ve been arrested, hurt, or stranded. They’ll often say, “Grandma, do you know who this is?” hoping you’ll provide a name they can use. From there, they pressure you to send money urgently and in untraceable ways.
Always pause and verify before sending help. Call your grandchild directly or check with another family member.
4. Financial Services Scams
These scammers claim to be from your bank, credit card company, or loan provider. They say your account is hacked or frozen and ask you to move your money to a “safe” account — which they control.
Legitimate banks will not ask for sensitive information or two-factor authentication codes over the phone. If in doubt, hang up and call your bank using the number on your card.
5. Tech Support Scams
This scam starts with a sudden pop-up warning that your computer is infected, often including a phone number to call. The person who answers convinces you to grant remote access so they can “fix” the problem, but instead they steal files, passwords, or money.
Real companies like Microsoft or Apple will not lock your computer and tell you to call them. Never call numbers from pop-ups, and ask a trusted person or local library for help if needed.
6. Fake Help Scams
These scams pretend to offer financial assistance but require you to pay a “fee” first. They may appear after a natural disaster, as fake veteran charities, or as bogus home repair contractors. Once you pay, they disappear.
You should never have to pay money to receive money or legitimate aid. Verify charities through sites like Charity Navigator, and look for reputable news coverage before donating or signing up for help.
7. Relationship Scams
Romance scams target people who are lonely or isolated. Scammers quickly build a close relationship, often online, before creating a crisis that requires urgent financial help. They may insist on secrecy, ask for untraceable payments, and refuse to meet in person.
If your gut says something feels off, talk to a trusted friend, senior center, or warmline before sending money or personal information.
Protecting Yourself From Any Scam
Most scams share the same warning signs: unsolicited contact, high-pressure tactics, secrecy, and demands for unusual payment methods. Your best defense is to pause before acting, never give personal information to someone who contacted you first, and verify the request using a phone number or website you know is legitimate. Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, it probably is.
Where to Report a Scam
- Social Security scams: Call the SSA Fraud Hotline at 1-800-772-1213 or report online through the Office of the Inspector General website.
- Medicare scams: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- General fraud: Submit a report through the Federal Trade Commission’s fraud portal.
- Mail scams: Report to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
- Online scams: File a complaint through the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.
- Local assistance: Area Agency on Aging or Adult Protective Services in your area
Relief Recap
Scammers are relentless, but they can only succeed if you don’t recognize their tricks. Whether it’s a fake government call, a Medicare con, or an emotional plea from a “relative,” the warning signs are often the same — urgency, secrecy, and unusual payment requests. By slowing down, verifying claims, and talking with someone you trust before acting, you can protect yourself and your benefits.
Stay alert, share what you’ve learned with others, and remember: legitimate organizations will never threaten you, rush you, or demand untraceable payments. Awareness is your best protection.
