Hang upBest first move on a surprise call
1-800-269-0271SSA fraud hotline
1-800-447-8477Medicare fraud: HHS-OIG
1-800-772-1213Real SSA number
Red flags
- Threats or urgency: "your number will be suspended" or "you will be arrested." Social Security does not suspend your number.
- Unusual payment: gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or cash handed over in person. Government agencies do not demand these.
- A call or message you did not ask for asking for your Social Security number, Medicare number, bank details, or password.
- Caller ID that looks real. Scammers can fake a government number, so do not trust it.
- "Free" items for your Medicare number, such as braces, genetic tests, or "new cards" for a fee.
Common scams
| Scam | What they claim | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Fake SSA call or text | Your number is suspended or linked to a crime | Hang up. Call 1-800-772-1213 yourself |
| COLA or benefit "increase" fee | Pay or give info to receive your raise | The COLA is automatic and free |
| New Medicare card fee | Pay to get a replacement card | Replacement is free. See how |
| Medicare plan sales calls | Urgent changes needed before a deadline | Hang up. Compare plans at Medicare.gov |
| Fake SSA website | A look-alike login page | Use ssa.gov only, bookmark it |
What to do if you gave information
- Stop all contact with the person.
- If you shared a bank or card number, call your bank at once.
- Place a free fraud alert or credit freeze with the credit bureaus.
- Check your my Social Security account for changes you did not make, and report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov.
- Report the scam (below).
Where to report
| Type | Report to |
|---|---|
| Social Security impersonation or fraud | SSA Office of the Inspector General: oig.ssa.gov/report or 1-800-269-0271 (weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET) |
| Medicare or Medicaid fraud | HHS Office of Inspector General: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) |
| Any scam or identity theft | Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov or IdentityTheft.gov |
Verify the source: hang up and call the agency using a number from its official website. SSA: 1-800-772-1213. Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Keep your Social Security and Medicare cards in a safe place at home rather than carrying them every day.