Social Security Administration phishing scam targets retirees

Phishing emails and messages are among the most dangerous cybersecurity threats. One of the most common and harmful examples is the Social Security Administration phishing scam, which targets unsuspecting individuals with alarming and deceptive messages. Even the biggest data breaches and financial frauds in history started with someone receiving a phishing email. 

They are highly effective because of two things — urgency and impersonation. You’ll often see phishing emails or messages asking you to take immediate action. They create urgency to make you panic and click the link, which can install malware on your device. Scammers build this urgency through impersonation, pretending to be government agencies and threatening you with things like pending taxes, traffic violation tickets and more.

I recently received an email from Charles, who almost fell victim to one of these phishing emails, which is a classic example of a Social Security Administration phishing scam, claiming his Social Security number had been suspended due to its association with money-laundering activities.

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It’s a classic phishing email, one that either wants to steal your money or infect your computer and steal your personal data. These kinds of scams are very common, and if you’re not careful, they can easily fool you.

Let’s discuss how this Social Security Administration phishing scam works and how you can stay safe.

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Illustration of a Social Security card   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How the Social Security number phishing scam works

In the email received, the scammers used alarming language to create fear and urgency. It begins with an alarming accusation that your Social Security number is under investigation for links to serious crimes like drug trafficking and money laundering. Here’s a portion of the message:

“We are conducting an ongoing inquiry into your Social Security Number and identity due to suspected links to drug trafficking. A series of international wire transfers to accounts on the Federal Trade Commission’s restricted list has been flagged. There have been reports of suspicious activities associated with your Social Security Number in Texas and New Mexico. We would like to inform you that this document contains sensitive information and should be managed carefully. The document presented here is an official communication from the Social Security Administration, authorized by the Texas Attorney General. The Texas Court has directed the suspension of your Social Security Number due to its association with money laundering activities involving your bank accounts.”

At first glance, the email looks official enough to cause real panic. It name-drops major authorities like the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Texas Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to make the threat sound credible. By tying your SSN to federal crimes, the scammers are not just suggesting you might be in trouble. They imply serious legal consequences, even the possibility of arrest.

This is urgency weaponized. The goal is to make you act before you think, pushing you to click a link or download a document out of fear. In that moment of panic, a person might forget the basic rules of cybersecurity.

Another psychological trick the scammers use is overwhelming the reader with details. They mention multiple states such as Texas and New Mexico, wire transfers and restricted lists, all to create the impression that the situation is deeply serious and far beyond an individual’s control. When people feel overwhelmed, they are more likely to submit to someone who seems to have authority and offers a quick way to “resolve” the problem, usually by clicking a link or downloading a file.

SSA scam email  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to spot a fake Social Security scam email

While phishing emails are designed to look convincing, there are always subtle but important signs that give them away.

This email did not address the recipient by name. Instead, it used broad terms like “Recipient” or launched directly into accusations without a personal salutation. Legitimate government communications almost always use your full legal name and reference specific case numbers or account details.

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Agencies like the SSA do not suspend Social Security numbers based on a single incident, and they certainly do not send serious notices through unsecured emails. Threatening suspension due to vague, unverified “activity” is a tactic meant to bypass logical thinking and trigger fear.

Although the email tries to sound formal, the phrasing is clumsy and inconsistent. Sentences like “The Texas Court has directed the suspension of your Social Security Number” are vague and improperly structured for an official legal notification.

Illustration of a scammer stealing personal information  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

10 ways to protect yourself from Social Security scams and phishing attacks

Scammers are constantly improving their tactics, but by following these steps, you can protect your Social Security information and outsmart even the most convincing phishing attempts.

1. Be skeptical of urgency and threats

Scammers love to make things sound urgent, like claiming your Social Security number is about to be suspended or that you’re suddenly under investigation for something serious. It’s all about creating panic so you’ll act before you think. Remember, real government agencies don’t send scary emails demanding immediate action, threaten you with arrest or ask for payment in gift cards or wire transfers. If you get a message that feels rushed, alarming or just “off,” hit pause. Take a breath, double-check the facts, and never click a link or respond until you’re absolutely sure it’s legit.

2. Strengthen your device security by using strong antivirus software 

Good cybersecurity habits start at the device level. Make sure you have strong antivirus software installed on your phone, tablet and computer. This tool can help catch phishing links, block suspicious downloads and even warn you if you accidentally visit a dangerous website. 

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at  CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech

3. Consider removing your data from the internet 

Scammers do not get your email address and phone number by accident. Your information could have been leaked through a past data breach, sold by shady data brokers, or even scraped from public profiles online. Also, limit how much personal information you share publicly. If you can, consider using a personal data removal service that helps remove your data from people search sites. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. 

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com/Delete

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4. Use separate emails for different purposes

One smart way to limit scam exposure is by compartmentalizing your digital life. Use one email address for banking and sensitive accounts, another for shopping or subscriptions and a different one for newsletters or social media. That way, if one email is compromised, scammers cannot easily link it to your entire identity. An email alias address is also a great way for you to stop receiving constant spam mail by simply deleting the email alias address. 

See my review of the best secure and private email services at Cyberguy.com/Mail

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5. Regularly monitor your credit and online accounts 

Staying safe is not just about avoiding that one phishing email. It is about noticing if something goes wrong afterward. Set up free credit monitoring if available, keep an eye on your Social Security statement through the SSA website and check your bank statements closely. Early detection of fraud can make a huge difference in limiting damage.

6. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your accounts

Even if your login credentials are stolen, MFA adds a powerful extra layer of security. With MFA, logging in requires a second code sent to your phone or generated by an app. Set up MFA on your email, bank and social media accounts to make it much harder for scammers to take over your accounts, even if they have your password.

7. Use a password manager for unique, strong passwords

A password manager can generate and securely store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. This makes it much harder for scammers to access your accounts, even if one password gets leaked. 

Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com/Passwords

8. Keep your software updated 

Cybercriminals exploit outdated software to install malware or steal your data. Turn on automatic updates for your operating system, browsers and apps. This ensures you always have the latest security patches, making it much harder for scammers to compromise your devices.

9. Use an identity theft protection service 

If you’re worried about identity theft, a credit freeze can prevent scammers from opening new accounts in your name, even if they have your Social Security number. Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number (SSN), phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. 

See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com/IdentityTheft 

10. Report phishing attempts to the authorities 

Reporting suspicious emails helps authorities track and shut down scams. If you receive a phishing message:

• Forward it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG): reportphishing@apwg.org
• Report Social Security-related scams to the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General: oig.ssa.gov/report
• Report phishing and fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): reportfraud.ftc.gov

Most email providers also have a “Report phishing” or “Mark as spam” button. Use it to help others stay safe.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

Phishing scams are getting more sophisticated, but the psychology behind them remains the same: scare you into acting without thinking. Whether it’s a fake Social Security suspension or a bogus bank alert, the goal is always to get your personal information or your money or access to your devices. The best defense is staying informed, thinking critically and never letting urgency override caution.

Have you or someone you know ever received a suspicious message like the ones described here? How did you handle it? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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