Scams are continuing to rise, and people across the country are receiving calls, emails, or letters that appear to come from the Social Security Administration (SSA). We know how confusing this can be, and how easy it is to feel pressure when someone mentions your benefits. That fear is exactly what scammers count on.
Here is what is actually happening so far in 2026, and what you need to know to protect yourself.
The top SSA scams in 2026:
- Fake Social Security statement emails. There has been a sharp surge in fraudulent emails claiming your Social Security statement is ready to download. They are not from SSA. Delete them immediately. (Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Alert, February 2026)
- Imposter phone calls. Scammers pretending to be SSA agents, threatening arrest or benefit suspension if you do not pay immediately.
- Social media impersonators. Fraudulent Facebook and Instagram pages and accounts mimicking SSA, asking you to send sensitive personal or financial information.
- AI-powered scams. Criminals are now using artificial intelligence to create more convincing fake voices, documents, and messages.
- Fake Social Security card websites. Third-party sites charging fees for Social Security card-related services. (Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Alert, March 2026)
The single most important thing to remember: Social Security will never threaten you, demand immediate payment, or ask you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. If that is happening, it is a scam.
2026 Scam Alert: A Surge in Fake Social Security Statement Emails
In February 2026, the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) issued a warning about a significant increase in fraudulent emails falsely claiming to provide access to a recipient’s Social Security statement.
These emails look official with SSA logos, colors, and formal language. They tell you your statement is ready to download. Then they ask you to click a link. Once clicked, those links may install malware or direct victims to fake websites intended to steal personal and financial information.
These are not from SSA and should be deleted immediately.
Read the full OIG Scam Alert, February 20, 2026
How can I tell if an email is really from SSA?
Official SSA communications originate from email addresses ending in “.gov.” Scam emails are designed to appear legitimate and often use official-looking language, logos, colors, and formatting to mislead recipients. If the sender’s address is a Gmail, Yahoo, or any personal or commercial domain, it is not from the Social Security Administration.
Does Social Security send out emails to people?
SSA does not proactively send unsolicited emails with links to download statements or apply for benefits. To access or set up your Social Security account, go directly to ssa.gov/myaccount. Type that address into your browser yourself. Do not click a link in an email to get there.
2026 Scam Alert: Social Security Cards Are Always Free
In March 2026, SSA OIG reminded the public that they do not have to pay for Social Security card-related services. There are numerous online websites that offer Social Security card-related services for a fee, but you are not required to use one of these services.
Whether you are applying for a Social Security card for the first time, because of a name change, or because you lost your card, the Social Security Administration will help you get your new or replacement Social Security card for free. Section 1140 of the Social Security Act specifically prohibits misleading SSA-related communications and places restrictions on charging for services that SSA provides for free. Violators can face financial penalties.
Read the full OIG Scam Alert, March 10, 2026
How do I get a replacement Social Security Card?
To get a replacement card, visit ssa.gov/number-card or call SSA at 1-800-772-1213. Depending on your situation, you may also be able to apply for a replacement card online through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount.
Ongoing Scams: Phone, Social, and the Rise of AI
Phone impersonators and fake social media accounts are not new tactics. But they are getting harder to spot, and artificial intelligence is a big reason why. Scammers now have access to tools that can clone voices, generate official-looking documents, and produce messages that are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. That technology continues to evolve, and so do the scams built around it. Knowing what to look for is still your best protection.
How does Social Security actually contact you?
If there is a problem with your Social Security number or record, SSA will typically mail you a letter. That is their standard approach for anything sensitive or formal.
Social Security employees do contact the public by phone, but only in limited circumstances. The agency calls people who have recently applied for a benefit, are already receiving payments, and need a record update, or who requested a callback. If you get an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from SSA and none of those situations apply to you, hang up and call the SSA department back.
How can I tell if a letter from Social Security is real?
A genuine letter from SSA will not demand immediate payment, ask you to call a non-government phone number, or threaten legal action. When in doubt, do not use any contact information in the letter. Call SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 to verify.
How can I tell if an SSA social media account is real?
Fraudsters create fake SSA pages on Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms designed to look legitimate. Watch for a low number of followers, spelling errors or odd punctuation, links to websites that do not end in .gov, and advertisements for SSA forms or documents.
Check the handle against SSA’s official verified accounts at ssa.gov/socialmedia. If the account is not listed there, it is not official. And regardless of how convincing a page looks, Social Security will never ask for your personal or financial information through social media. These channels are not secure, and the real SSA knows that.
Will Social Security ever contact me through Facebook or Instagram?
No. SSA does not use social media to conduct official business or reach out to individuals about their benefits. If someone is messaging you through a social platform claiming to be from SSA, that is a scam.
How can I tell if a call is using an AI-generated voice?
There is no single giveaway, which is what makes AI voice scams so dangerous. The best approach is to focus on what the caller is asking you to do rather than how they sound. If the call involves urgency, threats, or a request for payment, hang up regardless of how official it sounds. The Senate Special Committee on Aging has published a guide worth sharing with people in your life: Emerging Threat: Artificial Intelligence. While these can be targeted towards Senior Citizens, it’s important for anyone to be informed of these new tactics.
How to Report a Social Security Scam
If you receive a suspicious call, email, text, or letter, do not engage. Hang up or delete it. Do not click any links or provide any personal information.
When you report a scam, you help protect others. SSA uses reports to identify trends, warn the public, and take action against the people responsible. Report directly at oig.ssa.gov/report.
Not sure what kind of scam it is? Visit USA.gov’s Where to Report a Scam for help finding the right place.
For more scam alerts and the latest updates, visit ssa.gov/scam.
If you have questions about your Social Security disability claim or benefits, we are here to help. Roose Ressler & Green has been helping Northern Ohioans navigate the Social Security system for over 40 years. Contact us for a free consultation.