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YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY | Davenport, Iowa Office

By Pam Shaw
Social Security District Manager
Davenport Social Security Office

HOW TO SPOT AN IMPOSTER SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT

Want to learn how to spot fake Social Security social media accounts? The tips below will help you protect yourself and your family.    

How fraudsters create imposter accounts

Fraudsters create imposter social media pages and accounts using Social Security-related images and vocabulary, making them appear as if they’re associated with or endorsed by us. They also create imposter social media pages of Social Security and OIG officials, such as the Commissioner or the Inspector General.

Protect your personally identifiable information

We will never ask for sensitive information through social media as these channels are not secure. Sometimes, users are asked to enter their financial information, Social Security number (SSN), or other sensitive information.  This is a red flag, and often an indication of a fraudulent account.

How to spot a fake social media account

Identifying an imposter account may seem difficult at first, but there are a few things you can look for right away.

You will want to focus on the following:

• How many people follow the imposter page. In most cases, fake pages have a very low number of followers as compared to Social Security’s official page.
• Improper punctuation.
• Links to pages not on SSA.gov.
• Advertisements for forms or other Social Security documents for a price.
• Incorrect social media handles. To view the list of our official social media channels, please visit ww.ssa.gov/socialmedia.

Please report suspected Social Security imposter scams — and other Social Security fraud — to the OIG’s website at oig.ssa.gov/report.  You can find more information about scams on our Protect Yourself from Scams webpage at www.ssa.gov/scam.

Please share this information with your friends, family, and colleagues to help spread awareness about imposter social media accounts.

MY SOCIAL SECURITY: IT’S NOT JUST FOR RETIREES

A personal my Social Security account can be helpful in so many ways. You can benefit from its personalized tools even if you are not retired or close to retirement.

With your personal my Social Security account, you can do much of your business with us online.  You rarely need to call or visit a local Social Security office once you have one.

Let’s look at some of the features offered by an account.

If you do not receive benefits, you can:

• Request a replacement Social Security card (in most states and the District of Columbia).
• Check personalized retirement benefit estimates to compare different dates or ages to begin receiving benefits.
• Check the status of your Social Security application after you apply.
• Get proof that you do not receive benefits.
• Get your Social Security Statement.

If you already receive benefits, you can:

• Request a replacement Social Security card (in most states and the District of Columbia).
• Get a benefit verification or proof of income letter.
• Update your direct deposit (Social Security benefits only).
• Update contact information (Social Security benefits only).
• Get a Social Security tax form (1099/1042S).
• Opt out of receiving certain notices by mail and receive them in the secure Message Center.

Please help us spread the news!  Let your family and friends know that they can create a personal my Social Security account today at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.