Pretends to be Social Security
Fake Social Security statement email
Is an email saying my Social Security statement is ready to download a scam?
Yes. These emails are not from Social Security, and the link or attachment can steal your information or install harmful software. Do not click. Go to ssa.gov by typing it yourself.
Real organizations never do this. Stop. Hang up or delete it.
Also searched as: Social Security statement email, SSA email attachment, download your statement
Draft: we're still checking this page. The quotes below are word for word from their sources.
What to do
On the phone right now?
- Stop. Hang up or close the message. Don't tap anything.
- Check. Call a number you already have, like the one on your card or bill.
- Talk to someone you trust before you pay anyone.
If anyone is in danger right now, call 911.
If you already paid
- Call the company you paid through right away: your bank, card company, gift card company, or the wire or Zelle service. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment.
- Call the Justice Department's National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If it happened online, report it at IC3.gov too.
General information, not legal or financial advice. If you've lost money, contact your bank and report it.
How it works
1 They reach you by
- Website
2 They pretend to be
- Police or government
3 They ask for
- Tap a link
- Personal details
What it can look like
Example pattern, not a real message
Pretends to be Social Security. What gives it away:
- Give your ID numbers
- Use their link
Warning signs
- They contacted you, then ask for your Social Security, Medicare or bank numbers.
- They want you to use their link or their phone number. Look up the real website or number yourself.
Why we say this
SSA Office of the Inspector General Warns Public of Surge in Fraudulent Social Security Statement Emails
Fake emails say your Social Security statement is ready to download. The links or attachments can install harmful software or send you to fake sites that steal your information. These emails are not from Social Security.
Official SSA communications originate from email addresses ending in “.gov.”
7 more quotes from this source
These scam emails are designed to appear legitimate and often use official-looking language, logos, colors, and formatting to mislead recipients into clicking links or downloading attachments.
Once clicked, the links may install malware or direct victims to fake websites intended to steal personal and financial information.
Messages claiming your Social Security statement is ready to download
Messages creating urgency or pressure to act immediately
Sender addresses that do not end in “.gov”
To access or set up your Social Security account, go directly to [**ssa.gov/myaccount**](http://ssa.gov/myaccount).
Threaten legal action, arrest, or benefit suspension because you don’t agree to pay immediately