Social Security scammers use employee photos to forge legitimacy

Retirees are losing money and sensitive personal information to criminals impersonating the Social Security Administration. This follows a surge in government impostor scams reported by the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General. Criminals use the names and photos of actual staff members to establish legitimacy. These phishing emails, texts, and phone calls claim the recipient must provide immediate action to resolve a benefit problem, claim a prize, or access a Social Security statement. Victims are directed to pay using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The Social Security Administration emphasizes it does not threaten beneficiaries, demand urgent payments, or contact people via unsolicited messages about account issues. Retirees provide money or sensitive personal information to criminals, resulting in financial loss.