How Seniors Can Protect Their Social Security Benefits From Scams

October 2026

Social Security is an important source of income for millions of Americans, particularly retirees and people living on fixed incomes. Because these benefits are so important, protecting your Social Security account and personal information should be part of your regular financial routine.

Scammers may use phone calls, emails, text messages or websites that appear to be connected to government agencies. Their goal may be to obtain personal information, access online accounts or convince people to send money.

Fortunately, there are several simple steps seniors can take to reduce their risk.

Keep Your Social Security Account Secure

If you use an online Social Security account, make sure you use a strong, unique password.

Avoid using the same password for your Social Security account and other important accounts such as:

• Online banking
• Email
• Credit cards
• Investment accounts
• Shopping websites

Using different passwords can reduce the potential damage if another website experiences a security breach.

Be Careful With Unexpected Phone Calls

A caller may claim to work for Social Security and ask you to confirm personal information.

Instead of immediately answering questions, take a moment to verify who is contacting you.

Be particularly cautious if the caller:

• Creates a sense of urgency
• Threatens to stop your benefits
• Requests payment
• Asks for a password
• Requests an authentication code
• Tells you to move money
• Asks you to purchase gift cards

If you are uncertain, end the call and contact the Social Security Administration using an official phone number or website that you found independently.

Don’t Share Authentication Codes

Security codes are designed to help protect online accounts.

If you receive a verification code unexpectedly, don’t automatically give it to someone who calls or messages you.

A scammer may be trying to use the code to access an account.

Keep authentication codes private, just as you would protect a bank PIN or password.

Watch Out for Fake Government Websites

Some fraudulent websites are designed to look similar to legitimate government websites.

Before entering personal information, check the website address carefully.

For Social Security information, use the official Social Security Administration website rather than clicking an unfamiliar link received through an email or text message.

When in doubt, open a new browser window and enter the official website address yourself.

Don’t Let a Caller Pressure You

One of the most common warning signs of a scam is pressure.

A caller may tell you that you have only a few minutes to:

• Verify your account
• Pay a balance
• Protect your benefits
• Confirm your identity
• Prevent an account closure

You don’t have to make an immediate decision simply because someone tells you to.

Take time to verify the information before taking action.

Protect Your Personal Information

Your Social Security number is sensitive personal information.

Avoid providing it to an unexpected caller, email sender or website unless you have independently confirmed that the request is legitimate.

The same principle applies to other sensitive information, including:

• Bank account numbers
• Credit card information
• Passwords
• PINs
• Security questions
• Authentication codes

If someone unexpectedly asks for several pieces of personal information at once, be especially cautious.

Be Careful With Social Security Messages

Scammers may send messages that appear to come from government agencies.

A message might claim that you need to:

• Confirm your benefits
• Update your information
• Verify your identity
• Fix a payment problem
• Access a new benefit

Don’t assume that a message is legitimate simply because it uses government logos or official-sounding language.

If you are concerned about a message, visit the agency’s official website directly rather than using the link provided in the message.

Talk to Someone You Trust

If you’re unsure whether a call, email or text message is legitimate, consider discussing it with someone you trust before taking action.

A family member, trusted friend or financial professional may notice warning signs that are easy to miss when you’re under pressure.

There is no reason to feel embarrassed about asking for help.

Scams are designed to look convincing, and anyone can become a target.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe you have provided sensitive information to a scammer, act promptly.

Depending on what information was shared, you may need to:

1. Change your compromised passwords.
2. Contact your bank or financial institution if financial information was exposed.
3. Review your financial accounts for unusual activity.
4. Secure your online Social Security account.
5. Report suspected fraud through the appropriate official channels.
6. Keep records of suspicious calls, emails, messages or transactions.

If money was transferred to a scammer, contact your financial institution as soon as possible and ask what steps may be available.

How Family Members Can Help

Family members can help older relatives by discussing basic online safety practices.

A simple family rule can be:

Stop, verify and then act.

If an unexpected caller or message creates fear or urgency, don’t make a decision immediately.

Instead, stop the conversation, verify the information independently and ask someone you trust for help if necessary.

A Simple Social Security Safety Checklist

Review these habits regularly:

• Use a strong and unique password.
• Keep authentication codes private.
• Don’t send money to unexpected callers.
• Don’t click suspicious links.
• Verify government communications independently.
• Don’t share your Social Security number unnecessarily.
• Review important financial accounts regularly.
• Ask someone you trust when you’re uncertain.
• Report suspected fraud through appropriate official channels.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your Social Security benefits isn’t only about watching your monthly payment. It also means protecting the personal information and online accounts connected to those benefits.

The most important rule is simple: don’t let an unexpected message or phone call pressure you into making a quick decision.

Take time to verify the information through an official source before providing personal information, sending money or changing your account details.

For official Social Security information, visit SSA.gov or contact the Social Security Administration through its official channels.

This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal, financial or cybersecurity advice. Social Security rules and agency procedures can change, so verify important information through official government sources.