Social Security Warns Public about Text Phishing Scheme Targeting Disability Applicants and Beneficiaries

Social Security is warning people who have applied for Social Security benefits, or who are receiving Social Security benefits, about a text “phishing” scheme that has recently started. SSA has received reports from Disability Representatives indicating that some of their clients are receiving suspicious text messages, asking them to call a telephone number for information about their Social Security disability benefits, or about their disability claim, or about their disability hearing. This appears to be happening in a number of different cities and states.

According to these reports, individuals posing as Government officials have sent texts to several Social Security disability applicants and beneficiaries in an attempt to elicit a response—possibly to obtain their personal and financial information. These texts are being sent to many phone numbers, hoping someone will respond and give out personal information. Some of the texts may use language like:

“Disability Alert: Please call xxx-xxx-xxxx regarding your recent disability benefits application.”

“Disability Alert: Please call xxx-xxx-xxxx about your disability claim or your hearing may be delayed.”

“We are working on your disability case and we would like to speak to you. Please call xxx-xxx-xxxx.”

If someone asks you to give them any personal information, do not give out any information.

Social Security will never send you an unsolicited text message about your application for benefits. Social Security will never send you an unsolicited text message about your hearing asking for personal information. Social Security will never send you an unsolicited text message to get personal information about benefits you are already getting. Social Security already has your personal information!!

You should never provide your Social Security number, birth date, bank account numbers, or other personal information to someone who calls, emails or texts you unless you know the person asking for that information. Social Security representatives may call to follow up on a benefit application, or might call to remind you about a hearing date and time—but they will not send unsolicited text messages—and they usually will not ask for personal identifiers or financial information. There are many different versions of this type of phishing scheme which could lead to identity theft or Social Security benefit theft.

IF YOU RECEIVE A TEXT MESSAGE, E-MAIL, OR PHONE CALL FROM ANYONE CLAIMING TO BE FROM SOCIAL SECURITY OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY REQUESTING PERSONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY AT 315-471-1664.