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| Property | Value | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| URL | https://www.ssa.gov/scam/ | |||||||||
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-16 11:54:20 (7 days ago) | |||||||||
| First Indexed | 2020-03-07 12:19:27 (6 years ago) | |||||||||
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| Meta Title | Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams | SSA | |||||||||
| Meta Description | Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams | |||||||||
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| Boilerpipe Text | Criminals continue to impersonate SSA and other government agencies to obtain personal information or money.
A scammer might call, email, text, write letters, or send messages on social media claiming to be from SSA or OIG. A scammer might use the name of a person who really works there and might send a picture or attachment as proof.
Recognizing the signs of a scam gives you the power to ignore criminals and report the scam.
Four Signs of a Scam
Scams come in many varieties, but they all work the same way:
Scammers
pretend
to be from an agency or organization you know to gain your trust.
Scammers say there is a
problem
or a prize.
Scammers
pressure
you to act immediately.
Scammers tell you to
pay
in a specific way.
Common Scam Tactics
If you receive an
unexpected
call, text message, email, letter, or message on social media, asking for personal information or payment, be skeptical.
Scammers
are experts of manipulation and deception. Scammers will:
Pressure
you to make quick decisions.
Ask you to
pay
with gift cards, precious metals (gold or silver), prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or by mailing cash.
Spoof official government phone numbers, or even numbers for local police departments.
Say they are
transferring
your call to a law enforcement agent or government official who can help protect your money or help you avoid arrest.
Use the
real names
of government employees.
Threaten
arrest or legal action
unless you immediately pay.
Threaten to
suspend
your Social Security number or account.
Claim to need
personal information or payment
to activate a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) or other benefit increase.
Threaten
to seize your bank account.
Tell you to
move your money
to a protected bank account to keep it safe.
Meet you in-person to
pick up cash, gold bars,
or other assets.
Demand
secrecy.
Email attachments
or
text
pictures of badges, credentials, or official-looking documents.
Direct message
you on social media, asking for personal information or money.
Build a
relationship
(friendship or love) over time before eventually offering to help trade or invest money.
These are red flags.
Scammers frequently change their approach with new tactics. Stay up to date on the latest news and advisories by following SSA OIG on
LinkedIn
,
X
, and
Facebook
or subscribing to receive
email alerts
.
It is illegal to reproduce federal employee credentials and federal law enforcement badges. Federal law enforcement will never send photographs of credentials or badges to demand any kind of payment, and neither will federal government employees.
Scammers create fake social media accounts using SSA images, colors, and jargon. This helps them appear as if they are associated with or endorsed by Social Security. The imposter accounts could look like an official SSA or OIG account or claim to be a government official.
Social Security will never ask for sensitive or personal information through social media, email, or text message.
Here are some ways to spot a government imposter on social media:
Number of followers is low.
Incorrect punctuation or spelling.
Links to websites that do not end in “.gov”.
Requiring payment for government forms or documents that are typically free. For example, charging a fee for a
replacement Social Security number card
.
Incorrect social media handle.
Visit
www.ssa.gov/socialmedia
for links to SSA’s official social media accounts.
Note—Scammers are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an additional tactic to trick people. You may find more information regarding AI Scams from the Senate Special Committee on Aging's brochure, “
Emerging Threat: Artificial Intelligence
”.
Advice to Avoid Scams
Protect yourself, friends, and family — If you receive a suspicious call, text, email, social media message, or letter from someone claiming to be from Social Security:
Pause.
If you receive a communication that causes a strong emotional response or if you feel rushed, pause. Take a deep breath and talk to someone you trust.
Hang up or ignore the message.
Do not click on links or attachments.
Protect your money.
Scammers will insist that you pay with a gift card, gold bars or other precious metals, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, money transfer, or cash. Scammers use these forms of payment because they are hard to trace.
Protect your personal information.
Be cautious of any contact claiming to be from a government agency or law enforcement telling you about a problem you don't recognize, even if the caller has some of your personal information.
Spread the word
to protect your community from scammers.
Report the scam
to the Office of the Inspector General at
oig.ssa.gov/report
.
How to Report
When you report a Social Security-related scam, you are providing us with powerful data that we use to inform others, identify trends, refine strategies, and take legal action against the criminals behind these scam activities.
Report a scam
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides assistance to report scams in
multiple languages
. Call the FTC at (877) 382-4357 and press 3 to speak to an interpreter.
Recovery is Possible
If you experience a scam, there are resources to help you recover.
Scam Survival Toolkit
The Better Business Bureau Institute for Marketplace Trust offers a Scam Survival Toolkit with guidance and support for victims of scams. Visit the
BBB Scam Survival Toolkit
.
Disclaimer:
By sharing a resource, SSA is not endorsing any product, service, or enterprise. By clicking this link, you are exiting SSA’s website. SSA does not verify the accuracy of information on third-party websites. Links to such websites are not an endorsement by SSA of the information or products presented on the third-party website. Also, third-party websites are not within SSA’s control and may not follow the same privacy, security or accessibility policies. Once you visit such a website, you are subject to the policies and terms of that site.
If Scammers Stole Money
Criminal behavior is not your fault.
Stop talking to the scammer. Block their phone number or email address.
Call your local police department to report the crime.
Read the FTC’s
What To Do if You Were Scammed
for step-by-step advice.
If Scammers Stole Your Personal Information
Visit
ssa.gov/myaccount
to sign in or create a personal
my
Social Security
account. Opening your account helps secure your personal information and prevents identity thieves from fraudulently opening an account in your name. If anyone tries to change your address or direct deposit without your permission, you’ll get an alert right away. Going digital puts you in control and adds an extra layer of protection against scams.
Notify the three major credit bureaus:
Equifax
,
Experian
, and
TransUnion
to add a fraud alert to your credit report.
Visit
identitytheft.gov
to report identity theft and get a recovery plan.
Create a new, strong password if the scammer has your username and password for an account.
Help Us “Slam the Scam”!
Visit our
Resources page
for more information on how you can help us Slam the Scam. | |||||||||
| Markdown | [Skip to main content](https://www.ssa.gov/scam/#content)
 An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
**Official websites use .gov**
A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
**Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
A **lock** ( ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
[...](https://www.ssa.gov/scam/#!)
[...](https://www.ssa.gov/scam/#!)
[ Social Security](https://www.ssa.gov/)
[X](https://www.ssa.gov/scam/#banner)
Benefits
**BY PHASE**
- [Prepare](https://www.ssa.gov/prepare)
- [Apply](https://www.ssa.gov/apply)
- [Manage benefits](https://www.ssa.gov/manage-benefits)
**BY TYPE**
- [Retirement](https://www.ssa.gov/retirement)
- [Disability](https://www.ssa.gov/disability)
- [Survivor](https://www.ssa.gov/survivor)
- [Family](https://www.ssa.gov/family)
- [Supplemental Security Income (SSI)](https://www.ssa.gov/ssi)
***
[Benefits overview](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits)
Medicare
- [Plan for Medicare](https://www.ssa.gov/medicare)
- [Sign up for Medicare](https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up)
- [Request to lower IRMAA](https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/lower-irmaa)
- [Apply for Part D Extra Help](https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help)
- [Manage Medicare benefits](https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/manage)
Card & record
- [Number & card](https://www.ssa.gov/number-card)
- [Personal record](https://www.ssa.gov/personal-record)
[Español](https://www.ssa.gov/es)
[Sign in](https://secure.ssa.gov/RIL/SiView.action)
[Menu](https://www.ssa.gov/scam/#wbm-popover)
# Protect Yourself from Scams ([En español](https://www.ssa.gov/espanol/estafas/))
Be on the lookout for fake calls, texts, emails, websites, messages on social media, or letters in the mail
[Report a Social Security-related scam](https://secure.ssa.gov/oig/scam/)
This is brought to you by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
 
**February 20, 2026:** The Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is warning the public about a **significant increase in government imposter scam emails** that falsely claim to provide access to a recipient’s Social Security statement. [Read more.](https://oig.ssa.gov/scam-alerts/2026-02-20-ssa-office-of-the-inspector-general-warns-public-of-surge-in-fraudulent-social-security-statement-emails/)
## Table of Contents
- [What Are Social Security-Related Scams?](https://www.ssa.gov/scam/#what-are-social-security-related-scams)
- [Four Signs of a Scam](https://www.ssa.gov/scam/#four-signs-of-a-scam)
- [Common Scam Tactics](https://www.ssa.gov/scam/#common-scam-tactics)
- [Fake Social Media Accounts](https://www.ssa.gov/scam/#fake-social-media-accounts)
- [Advice to Avoid Scams](https://www.ssa.gov/scam/#advice-to-avoid-scams)
- [How to Report](https://www.ssa.gov/scam/#how-to-report)
- [Recovery is Possible](https://www.ssa.gov/scam/#recovery-is-possible)
- [Help Us “Slam the Scam”\!](https://www.ssa.gov/scam/#help-us-slam-the-scam)
- [Report a scam](https://secure.ssa.gov/oig/scam/)
## What Are Social Security-Related Scams?
Criminals continue to impersonate SSA and other government agencies to obtain personal information or money.
A scammer might call, email, text, write letters, or send messages on social media claiming to be from SSA or OIG. A scammer might use the name of a person who really works there and might send a picture or attachment as proof.
Recognizing the signs of a scam gives you the power to ignore criminals and report the scam.
***
## Four Signs of a Scam
Scams come in many varieties, but they all work the same way:
1. Scammers **pretend** to be from an agency or organization you know to gain your trust.
2. Scammers say there is a **problem** or a prize.
3. Scammers **pressure** you to act immediately.
4. Scammers tell you to **pay** in a specific way.
***
## Common Scam Tactics
If you receive an **unexpected** call, text message, email, letter, or message on social media, asking for personal information or payment, be skeptical.
**Scammers** are experts of manipulation and deception. Scammers will:
- **Pressure** you to make quick decisions.
- Ask you to **pay** with gift cards, precious metals (gold or silver), prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or by mailing cash.
- Spoof official government phone numbers, or even numbers for local police departments.
- Say they are **transferring** your call to a law enforcement agent or government official who can help protect your money or help you avoid arrest.
- Use the **real names** of government employees.
- Threaten **arrest or legal action** unless you immediately pay.
- Threaten to **suspend** your Social Security number or account.
- Claim to need **personal information or payment** to activate a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) or other benefit increase.
- **Threaten** to seize your bank account.
- Tell you to **move your money** to a protected bank account to keep it safe.
- Meet you in-person to **pick up cash, gold bars,** or other assets.
- **Demand** secrecy.
- **Email attachments** or **text** pictures of badges, credentials, or official-looking documents.
- **Direct message** you on social media, asking for personal information or money.
- Build a **relationship** (friendship or love) over time before eventually offering to help trade or invest money.
These are red flags.
Scammers frequently change their approach with new tactics. Stay up to date on the latest news and advisories by following SSA OIG on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ssa-oig), [X](https://x.com/#!/TheSSAOIG), and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/oigssa/) or subscribing to receive [email alerts](https://oig.ssa.gov/rss/).
It is illegal to reproduce federal employee credentials and federal law enforcement badges. Federal law enforcement will never send photographs of credentials or badges to demand any kind of payment, and neither will federal government employees.
***
## Fake Social Media Accounts
Scammers create fake social media accounts using SSA images, colors, and jargon. This helps them appear as if they are associated with or endorsed by Social Security. The imposter accounts could look like an official SSA or OIG account or claim to be a government official.
Social Security will never ask for sensitive or personal information through social media, email, or text message.
Here are some ways to spot a government imposter on social media:
- Number of followers is low.
- Incorrect punctuation or spelling.
- Links to websites that do not end in “.gov”.
- Requiring payment for government forms or documents that are typically free. For example, charging a fee for a [replacement Social Security number card](https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card).
- Incorrect social media handle.
Visit [www.ssa.gov/socialmedia](https://www.ssa.gov/socialmedia) for links to SSA’s official social media accounts.
Note—Scammers are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an additional tactic to trick people. You may find more information regarding AI Scams from the Senate Special Committee on Aging's brochure, “[Emerging Threat: Artificial Intelligence](https://www.aging.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/fraud_brochure__english.pdf)”.
***
## Advice to Avoid Scams
Protect yourself, friends, and family — If you receive a suspicious call, text, email, social media message, or letter from someone claiming to be from Social Security:
1. **Pause.** If you receive a communication that causes a strong emotional response or if you feel rushed, pause. Take a deep breath and talk to someone you trust.
2. **Hang up or ignore the message.** Do not click on links or attachments.
3. **Protect your money.** Scammers will insist that you pay with a gift card, gold bars or other precious metals, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, money transfer, or cash. Scammers use these forms of payment because they are hard to trace.
4. **Protect your personal information.** Be cautious of any contact claiming to be from a government agency or law enforcement telling you about a problem you don't recognize, even if the caller has some of your personal information.
5. **Spread the word** to protect your community from scammers.
6. **Report the scam** to the Office of the Inspector General at [oig.ssa.gov/report](https://oig.ssa.gov/report).
***
## How to Report
When you report a Social Security-related scam, you are providing us with powerful data that we use to inform others, identify trends, refine strategies, and take legal action against the criminals behind these scam activities.
[Report a scam](https://secure.ssa.gov/oig/scam/)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides assistance to report scams in [multiple languages](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/11/new-help-spotting-avoiding-reporting-scams-multiple-languages). Call the FTC at (877) 382-4357 and press 3 to speak to an interpreter.
***
## Recovery is Possible
If you experience a scam, there are resources to help you recover.
### Scam Survival Toolkit
The Better Business Bureau Institute for Marketplace Trust offers a Scam Survival Toolkit with guidance and support for victims of scams. Visit the [BBB Scam Survival Toolkit](https://scamsurvivaltoolkit.bbbmarketplacetrust.org/).
**Disclaimer:**
By sharing a resource, SSA is not endorsing any product, service, or enterprise. By clicking this link, you are exiting SSA’s website. SSA does not verify the accuracy of information on third-party websites. Links to such websites are not an endorsement by SSA of the information or products presented on the third-party website. Also, third-party websites are not within SSA’s control and may not follow the same privacy, security or accessibility policies. Once you visit such a website, you are subject to the policies and terms of that site.
### If Scammers Stole Money
Criminal behavior is not your fault.
1. Stop talking to the scammer. Block their phone number or email address.
2. Call your local police department to report the crime.
3. Read the FTC’s [What To Do if You Were Scammed](https://www.ssa.gov/scam/) for step-by-step advice.
### If Scammers Stole Your Personal Information
1. Visit [ssa.gov/myaccount](https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount) to sign in or create a personal my Social Security account. Opening your account helps secure your personal information and prevents identity thieves from fraudulently opening an account in your name. If anyone tries to change your address or direct deposit without your permission, you’ll get an alert right away. Going digital puts you in control and adds an extra layer of protection against scams.
2. Notify the three major credit bureaus: [Equifax](https://www.equifax.com/), [Experian](https://www.experian.com/), and [TransUnion](https://www.transunion.com/) to add a fraud alert to your credit report.
3. Visit [identitytheft.gov](https://www.identitytheft.gov/) to report identity theft and get a recovery plan.
4. Create a new, strong password if the scammer has your username and password for an account.
***
## Help Us “Slam the Scam”\!
Visit our [Resources page](https://www.ssa.gov/scam/resources.html) for more information on how you can help us Slam the Scam.
## About the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General
The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General has independent oversight of SSA's programs and operations. SSA OIG is responsible for conducting audits, evaluations, and investigations and reporting on and providing recommendations for programs, operations, and management improvements.
Support
- [Contact us](https://www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/)
- [Find an office](https://www.ssa.gov/locator/)
- [Forms](https://www.ssa.gov/forms/)
- [Publications](https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/)
- [Report fraud](https://secure.ssa.gov/pfrf/home)
Languages
- [Español](https://www.ssa.gov/es)
- [Other languages](https://www.ssa.gov/multilanguage/)
- [Plain language](https://www.ssa.gov/agency/plain-language)
Services for
- [Employers & businesses](https://www.ssa.gov/employer/)
- [Government agencies](https://www.ssa.gov/about-ssa/agency-resources#government-agencies)
- [Other groups](https://www.ssa.gov/about-ssa/agency-resources#other-groups)
- [Representatives](https://www.ssa.gov/about-ssa/agency-resources#representatives)
About
- [Careers](https://www.ssa.gov/careers/)
- [Chief actuary data](https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/)
- [Communications](https://www.ssa.gov/about-ssa/agency-resources#communications)
- [Financial reports](https://www.ssa.gov/finance/)
- [Initiatives](https://www.ssa.gov/about-ssa/agency-resources#initiatives)
- [Research & policy](https://www.ssa.gov/about-ssa/agency-resources#research-policy)
Social Security Administration
SSA.gov
**An official website of the [Social Security Administration](https://www.ssa.gov/)**
***
- [About SSA](https://www.ssa.gov/about-ssa)
- [Accessibility statement](https://www.ssa.gov/accessibility/)
- [Civil rights and compliance](https://www.ssa.gov/eeo)
- [FOIA requests](https://www.ssa.gov/foia/)
- [Privacy policy](https://www.ssa.gov/agency/privacy.html)
- [Performance reports](https://www.ssa.gov/agency/performance/)
- [Office of the Inspector General](https://oig.ssa.gov/)
Looking for U.S. government information and services? [**Visit USA.gov**](https://usa.gov/) | |||||||||
| Readable Markdown | Criminals continue to impersonate SSA and other government agencies to obtain personal information or money.
A scammer might call, email, text, write letters, or send messages on social media claiming to be from SSA or OIG. A scammer might use the name of a person who really works there and might send a picture or attachment as proof.
Recognizing the signs of a scam gives you the power to ignore criminals and report the scam.
***
## Four Signs of a Scam
Scams come in many varieties, but they all work the same way:
1. Scammers **pretend** to be from an agency or organization you know to gain your trust.
2. Scammers say there is a **problem** or a prize.
3. Scammers **pressure** you to act immediately.
4. Scammers tell you to **pay** in a specific way.
***
## Common Scam Tactics
If you receive an **unexpected** call, text message, email, letter, or message on social media, asking for personal information or payment, be skeptical.
**Scammers** are experts of manipulation and deception. Scammers will:
- **Pressure** you to make quick decisions.
- Ask you to **pay** with gift cards, precious metals (gold or silver), prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or by mailing cash.
- Spoof official government phone numbers, or even numbers for local police departments.
- Say they are **transferring** your call to a law enforcement agent or government official who can help protect your money or help you avoid arrest.
- Use the **real names** of government employees.
- Threaten **arrest or legal action** unless you immediately pay.
- Threaten to **suspend** your Social Security number or account.
- Claim to need **personal information or payment** to activate a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) or other benefit increase.
- **Threaten** to seize your bank account.
- Tell you to **move your money** to a protected bank account to keep it safe.
- Meet you in-person to **pick up cash, gold bars,** or other assets.
- **Demand** secrecy.
- **Email attachments** or **text** pictures of badges, credentials, or official-looking documents.
- **Direct message** you on social media, asking for personal information or money.
- Build a **relationship** (friendship or love) over time before eventually offering to help trade or invest money.
These are red flags.
Scammers frequently change their approach with new tactics. Stay up to date on the latest news and advisories by following SSA OIG on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ssa-oig), [X](https://x.com/#!/TheSSAOIG), and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/oigssa/) or subscribing to receive [email alerts](https://oig.ssa.gov/rss/).
It is illegal to reproduce federal employee credentials and federal law enforcement badges. Federal law enforcement will never send photographs of credentials or badges to demand any kind of payment, and neither will federal government employees.
***
Scammers create fake social media accounts using SSA images, colors, and jargon. This helps them appear as if they are associated with or endorsed by Social Security. The imposter accounts could look like an official SSA or OIG account or claim to be a government official.
Social Security will never ask for sensitive or personal information through social media, email, or text message.
Here are some ways to spot a government imposter on social media:
- Number of followers is low.
- Incorrect punctuation or spelling.
- Links to websites that do not end in “.gov”.
- Requiring payment for government forms or documents that are typically free. For example, charging a fee for a [replacement Social Security number card](https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card).
- Incorrect social media handle.
Visit [www.ssa.gov/socialmedia](https://www.ssa.gov/socialmedia) for links to SSA’s official social media accounts.
Note—Scammers are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an additional tactic to trick people. You may find more information regarding AI Scams from the Senate Special Committee on Aging's brochure, “[Emerging Threat: Artificial Intelligence](https://www.aging.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/fraud_brochure__english.pdf)”.
***
## Advice to Avoid Scams
Protect yourself, friends, and family — If you receive a suspicious call, text, email, social media message, or letter from someone claiming to be from Social Security:
1. **Pause.** If you receive a communication that causes a strong emotional response or if you feel rushed, pause. Take a deep breath and talk to someone you trust.
2. **Hang up or ignore the message.** Do not click on links or attachments.
3. **Protect your money.** Scammers will insist that you pay with a gift card, gold bars or other precious metals, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, money transfer, or cash. Scammers use these forms of payment because they are hard to trace.
4. **Protect your personal information.** Be cautious of any contact claiming to be from a government agency or law enforcement telling you about a problem you don't recognize, even if the caller has some of your personal information.
5. **Spread the word** to protect your community from scammers.
6. **Report the scam** to the Office of the Inspector General at [oig.ssa.gov/report](https://oig.ssa.gov/report).
***
## How to Report
When you report a Social Security-related scam, you are providing us with powerful data that we use to inform others, identify trends, refine strategies, and take legal action against the criminals behind these scam activities.
[Report a scam](https://secure.ssa.gov/oig/scam/)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides assistance to report scams in [multiple languages](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/11/new-help-spotting-avoiding-reporting-scams-multiple-languages). Call the FTC at (877) 382-4357 and press 3 to speak to an interpreter.
***
## Recovery is Possible
If you experience a scam, there are resources to help you recover.
### Scam Survival Toolkit
The Better Business Bureau Institute for Marketplace Trust offers a Scam Survival Toolkit with guidance and support for victims of scams. Visit the [BBB Scam Survival Toolkit](https://scamsurvivaltoolkit.bbbmarketplacetrust.org/).
**Disclaimer:**
By sharing a resource, SSA is not endorsing any product, service, or enterprise. By clicking this link, you are exiting SSA’s website. SSA does not verify the accuracy of information on third-party websites. Links to such websites are not an endorsement by SSA of the information or products presented on the third-party website. Also, third-party websites are not within SSA’s control and may not follow the same privacy, security or accessibility policies. Once you visit such a website, you are subject to the policies and terms of that site.
### If Scammers Stole Money
Criminal behavior is not your fault.
1. Stop talking to the scammer. Block their phone number or email address.
2. Call your local police department to report the crime.
3. Read the FTC’s [What To Do if You Were Scammed](https://www.ssa.gov/scam/) for step-by-step advice.
### If Scammers Stole Your Personal Information
1. Visit [ssa.gov/myaccount](https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount) to sign in or create a personal my Social Security account. Opening your account helps secure your personal information and prevents identity thieves from fraudulently opening an account in your name. If anyone tries to change your address or direct deposit without your permission, you’ll get an alert right away. Going digital puts you in control and adds an extra layer of protection against scams.
2. Notify the three major credit bureaus: [Equifax](https://www.equifax.com/), [Experian](https://www.experian.com/), and [TransUnion](https://www.transunion.com/) to add a fraud alert to your credit report.
3. Visit [identitytheft.gov](https://www.identitytheft.gov/) to report identity theft and get a recovery plan.
4. Create a new, strong password if the scammer has your username and password for an account.
***
## Help Us “Slam the Scam”\!
Visit our [Resources page](https://www.ssa.gov/scam/resources.html) for more information on how you can help us Slam the Scam.
 | |||||||||
| ML Classification | ||||||||||
| ML Categories |
Raw JSON{
"/Law_and_Government": 946,
"/Law_and_Government/Public_Safety": 594,
"/Law_and_Government/Public_Safety/Crime_and_Justice": 487
} | |||||||||
| ML Page Types |
Raw JSON{
"/Article": 755,
"/Article/How_to": 556
} | |||||||||
| ML Intent Types |
Raw JSON{
"Informational": 999
} | |||||||||
| Content Metadata | ||||||||||
| Language | en | |||||||||
| Author | null | |||||||||
| Publish Time | not set | |||||||||
| Original Publish Time | 2020-03-07 12:19:27 (6 years ago) | |||||||||
| Republished | No | |||||||||
| Word Count (Total) | 1,545 | |||||||||
| Word Count (Content) | 1,153 | |||||||||
| Links | ||||||||||
| External Links | 20 | |||||||||
| Internal Links | 59 | |||||||||
| Technical SEO | ||||||||||
| Meta Nofollow | No | |||||||||
| Meta Noarchive | No | |||||||||
| JS Rendered | No | |||||||||
| Redirect Target | null | |||||||||
| Performance | ||||||||||
| Download Time (ms) | 250 | |||||||||
| TTFB (ms) | 245 | |||||||||
| Download Size (bytes) | 14,467 | |||||||||
| Shard | 38 (laksa) | |||||||||
| Root Hash | 4295799806497249038 | |||||||||
| Unparsed URL | gov,ssa!www,/scam/ s443 | |||||||||