50°
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has issued the warning about fraudulent emails impersonating the agency.
These emails, which carry the subject line “Claim Benefits!”, falsely claim that recipients must apply for their 2025 Social Security benefits through a provided link.
How Scam Works
The scam email appears to come from SSA and directs users to a fake website disguised to look like SSA’s official page. However, clicking on the link leads to a fraudulent site designed to steal personal information. Officials emphasize that this email is not from SSA.
One major red flag is that the sender’s email address is from “Social Administration”—a name that closely mimics SSA but is actually a personal or non-government account. Legitimate government agencies always use ".gov" email addresses.
How To Protect Yourself
SSA OIG advises the public to delete any unsolicited email claiming to be from the agency. Do not click on links, respond to texts, or engage with phone calls or letters that seem suspicious. Officials recommend verifying any SSA-related inquiries directly at ssa.gov.
What To Do If You’re A Victim
If you suspect you've been targeted by this scam, take the following steps:
- Stop engaging with the scammer. Immediately cut off communication.
- Secure your accounts. Notify financial institutions and take precautions to safeguard personal information.
- Report the scam. File a complaint with SSA OIG (oig.ssa.gov) and local law enforcement.
If money was lost, report it. File a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov) and the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov).
Authorities emphasize that SSA will never contact individuals via unsolicited emails requesting personal information or directing them to click on links. If in doubt, visit ssa.gov directly for official information.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Kingston and receive free news updates.
