Fraudsters target Social Security’s cost of living

The Social Security Administration announced last month that it will apply Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) to the agency’s 72.5 million beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income recipients. With a 2.5% decrease expected in January and informational brochures coming out next month, fraudsters are trying to take advantage of the change, according to SSA officials.

“Be wary of any communication asking you to take additional steps or provide personal information about this increase, as it may be a scammer trying to steal your identity or financial assets,” said Social Security Administration Acting Inspector General Hannibal “Mike” Ware. , in a statement. “Our office is dedicated to protecting the public and stopping these criminals from exploiting honest and hard-working people.”

COLA will automatically hit bank accounts, and appear on checks sent, with no action required by recipients.

However, Ware cautioned that you should not give out personal information to anyone claiming to be an SSA representative who needs your social security number or bank account to proceed with a COLA. Report any suspected fraud to the SSA Office of Inspector General through their website (

SSA officials are warning all recipients to be on the lookout for “spoof phone calls, texts, emails, websites, messages on social media, or letters in the mail.”

Although the agency typically communicates with people by email about updates and questions, they will occasionally call people, according to the SSA’s anti-fraud website, especially if they “have recently applied for Social Security benefits, are already receiving payments and need their record reviewed, or request a phone call.” agency.”

The agency produced a video about SSA agency scammers who will call recipients and tell them armed marshals or sheriff’s deputies are on the way to arrest them for alleged wrongdoing. One SSA recipient described being told by scammers to buy Google Play cards to avoid arrest. If you receive a call from the SSA that makes threats or demands money – or offers rewards – get off the phone, talk to someone you trust, and do an online search.

“The SSA will not threaten you, ask for your personal information or instant payment, email or send you pictures or documents, or use the name of a real government official to gain your trust,” according to another anti-scam video from the agency. “Social Security does not accept payments by gift card, prepaid debit card, online money, or by sending cash.”

See more information on SSA-related scams here and check out other online resources here.