Social Security’s New Warning About Fraud and Identity Theft

Earlier this week, Social Security Administration (SSA) officials announced participation with federal partners in commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a global event aimed at preventing the mistreatment, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.

As SSA explained in a post on this subject: “Recent reports from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) show that financial losses among consumers aged 60 and older have quadrupled between 2020 and 2024, reaching $2.4 billion. In 2025, the FTC received over 375,000 reports of government imposter scams, with losses totaling $917 million. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics, including artificial intelligence, to target older adults with tech support, sweepstakes, romance, and government impersonation scams.”

Elder abuse is, without question, one of the most significant threats to the welfare of America’s senior community.

Statement from the Commissioner

As part of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day commemoration, Social Security Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano offered scam protection advice this week via a video posted on SSA media. The video, which you can view here, stresses a series of key points on identifying fraudulent contact:

• Social Security Administration personnel will never contact constituents and demand cash or other forms of payment, and will never ask for personal information.
• Social Security Administration personnel will never suggest movement of money to other accounts.
• Upon receipt of a suspected scam contact, either hang up or delete the message, but most importantly, always speak with a trusted source before considering any action.
• To help protect yourself, visit the SSA website or the Federal Elder Justice Coordinating Council website for a host of valuable tips.

Social Security Administration Resources Available to Help Protect Seniors

June 15, of course, was the official commemoration day, but SSA has compiled an array of resources designed to extend this awareness as a standard practice for the 70 million Americans served by Social Security. 

SSA’s resources are outlined on a separate webpage, titled ssa.gov/scam, where detailed sections provide in-depth explanations of the nature of scams and the tactics scammers use to target unsuspecting folks. Included here are the signs to look for when encountering a suspected scam, including the ploys and threats used to deceive intended victims into believing the contact is authentic. The scammers’ use of fake social media accounts to make their approach appear legitimate is one of the more popular red flags. Use of copied federal agency logos can imply affiliation with official sources.

SSA.gov/scam provides clear advice on how to react to suspected scams, beginning with the importance of not reacting to the emotional thrust of the contact. Tips on protecting your financial resources are also provided, along with the importance of spreading the word throughout your community so others are aware of the threat. Reporting the scam contact to Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is also helpful to identify trends and assist in formulating legal actions against criminals committing these acts.

For anyone victimized by a scam, the SSA.gov/scam site also provides guidance on steps to be taken, whether the scam involved personal information theft or monetary loss. Both can have serious consequences, making timely remedial action critical.

SSA’s resources for senior scam protection also include a wealth of valuable information, including:

• Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams: Provides up-to-date information on scam tactics, how to recognize and avoid scams, and how to report them. 
• Elder Justice Coordinating Council Impersonation Scams: Offers federal consumer-related materials to avoid government imposter scams. 
• Eldercare Locator: Connects older adults and caregivers with trusted local resources and services. 
• WEAAD Toolkits: Shares nationwide events and resources to help prevent elder abuse.

Joining the “Never Ever” Campaign

As a related part of the campaign to strengthen fraud protection for seniors, SSA’s announcement this week added that the agency is part of a national “Never Ever” campaign in which federal agencies are working together to help everyone recognize and avoid government imposter scams. Remember:  

• Never ever will someone from the government say: “Your money isn’t safe. Move it to protect it.” Only a scammer will. 
• Never ever will someone from the government threaten to suspend your government benefits if you don’t pay immediately. Only a scammer will. 
• Never ever will someone from the government demand that you pay with a payment app, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or gift cards.