If you’ve been hearing about the Social Security Fairness Act and wondering how it might affect your benefits, you’re not alone. This new law is helping workers who were previously left out of Social Security—like federal employees, railroad workers, and civil servants—finally get the benefits they deserve.
For many, this also includes a one-time retroactive payment. It’s life-changing money—and, unfortunately, scammers know it too.
Whether you’re waiting for your payment, checking your eligibility, or just hopeful for good news, it’s important to stay alert. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.
How Scammers Target People
Scammers are getting smarter and sneakier. They know many people are anxious about their benefits and will try to trick you by pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Here’s what they often do:
- Promise to speed up your benefits—for a fee.
- Ask for sensitive information, like your Social Security number or bank details.
- Send fake emails, texts, or social media messages with urgent demands.
- Spoof official phone numbers to look like they’re calling from the SSA or even your local police.
They may sound helpful or try to scare you into acting fast. Don’t let them fool you.
Important: The SSA Will Never…
- Charge you any fee to start, increase, or expedite your benefits.
- Ask for personal information through a phone call, text, email, or social media message.
- Threaten you with arrest or demand immediate payment.
If anyone does these things, it’s a scam.
What To Do If You’re Contacted
If you get a suspicious call, message, or letter:
- Hang up immediately—even if the caller ID looks real.
- Delete any emails or texts that ask you to click a link or respond.
- Never share personal information unless you are absolutely sure who you are dealing with.
- Report the scam to the Social Security Office of the Inspector General. You’ll be asked to create a five-digit PIN that only real SSA employees will know. If someone calls and doesn’t know your PIN, that’s your signal to hang up.
Already clicked on a link or shared information? Don’t panic. Act fast:
- Contact the SSA or the Inspector General’s office right away to report the scam and protect your benefits.
Stay Safe and Informed
Roughly 80% of those eligible for Fairness Act payments have already received their money. If you’re still waiting, don’t lose hope—but do stay cautious.