Beware of the Social Security scam targeting email inboxes: A fraudulent email has recently arrived in my inbox.
It targets individuals who are currently receiving Social Security benefits or have recently registered.
“Update: New Terms and Conditions for Your Account” was the subject line.
Similar to the majority of Americans, I also possess an online Social Security account. But this missive was riddled with red flags.
Together, let us go through them.
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Message from the sender:
Despite claiming to originate from the “SSA Application Analytics Team,” the email appeared to have no connection with Social Security upon examination of the sender’s email address. It was a case of impostor fraud.
Be cautious, even if an email address seems to originate from the agency. In an attempt to appear astute, some con artists will misspel the terms “Social Security” or “SSA” or use a zero in place of the letter “O” in the email address.
This is the email’s body:
It is not uncommon for con artists to reside in foreign countries where English is not their primary tongue. Phishing emails frequently contain errors such as misspellings and grammatical blunders.
In actuality, that was not the case here.
Conversely, this email contained numerous superfluous words interspersed throughout, including “sister,” “strengthen,” and “Israeli.” While some were presented in bold, others were italicized. Furthermore, none of them were relevant to the message.
Scams targeting Social Security are reaching inboxes. The following are key points to vigil for.
This email, which purported to be from a Social Security imposter, contained numerous misspelt words.Price Karin Mueller
The purpose of those phrases is somewhat ambiguous; however, they rendered the endeavor to masquerade as an official email from the federal government rather pitiful.
Excluding the extraneous words, the message read as follows:
“We appreciate your recent registration. We are pleased to inform you that you will receive a comprehensive decision letter via mail within the following thirty days. Alternatively, by following the link below, you can conveniently verify the status of your application online at any time.
The link that followed, which could be a money shot for a fraudster, then appeared.
The URL:
Simply stated, it would not have been possible without SSA.gov, the website of the Social Security Administration.
I refrained from clicking. Without a doubt, the link would have facilitated the installation of malicious software onto my device. Alternatively, it might have attempted to deceive me and any other recipients into divulging personal information that could have been utilized to take the identity of an unsuspecting consumer.
We are refraining from providing the link here in order to prevent any temptation for you to visit the site.
SOL Social Security Suggestions
We forwarded the email to the Social Security Administration, who verified that it did not originate from the organization.
The Social Security Administration is prohibited from:
- Email or text images of the official government identification of the employee.
- Have your Social Security number suspended.
- Threaten you with arrest or other legal action if you do not pay a fine or fee immediately.
- Accept cash by mail, retail gift cards, wire transfers, or internet currencies as forms of payment.
- Promise payment in exchange for an increase in benefits or another form of assistance.
- “Official” letters or reports containing your personal information may be mailed or emailed to you.
Additionally, it stated that approval from the recipient is required to receive text messages from the agency. It will only send messages in “restricted circumstances,” such as when attempting to access your Social Security account online via “enhanced security.”
Consider two-factor verification.
It stated that it would not email or text for financial requests.
The agency stated, “If you owe us money, we will send you a letter with payment options and appeal rights.”
Everyone is encouraged by Social Security to increase their knowledge of Social Security schemes and how to report attempted fraud. visit ssa.gov/scam.
We also advocate it.
