Beware of Scam Emails Asking to Download Statements
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is cautioning the public to be aware of emails that appear to be from SSA and include a link to download their Social Security statement. This email is an attempt to lure individuals to fraudulent sites that are not associated with SSA. The first image closely resembles a legitimate Gov Delivery email, making it particularly deceptive.
THIS EMAIL IS NOT FROM SSA.
This is NOT an official SSA notice, nor is it from an official government email address. It does NOT have “.gov” as part of the sender’s address.
Government agencies end with “.gov” as part of their official email address.
The email states that your Social Security statement is available for download. DO NOT CLICK THE LINK. These emails are not from SSA and will compromise your personal data and likely damage your computer system once you allow access.
SSA OIG is advising you to always be cautious of responding to or clicking links in unsolicited emails that appear to be from an official government entity, such as SSA, or another federal agency.
These emails are a variation of government imposter scams. DELETE THE EMAIL. Do NOT click on links or respond to any text, email, phone call, or letter that has characteristics of a scam. To learn more about scam warning signs, visit ssa.gov/scam.
“While these emails appear to be from SSA, they are designed to trick you into clicking the links, either to gain access to your computer or personal information,” said Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit, performing the duties of the Inspector General. “Navigate to the SSA.gov website yourself and access your Social Security statements that way.” To contact SSA for business purposes, visit ssa.gov.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE A VICTIM
- Stop talking to the scammer. Notify financial institutions and safeguard accounts.
- Report Social Security-related scams to SSA OIG (oig.ssa.gov).
- Contact local law enforcement and file a police report.
- If you lost money, file a complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov).
- Report other scams to the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov).
- Keep financial transaction information and the record of all communications with the scammer