Scams going around · Emails

Social Security statement email scam

Pretends to be Social Security (SSA) or its Inspector General. An email made to look like it comes from Social Security says your statement is ready to download. It has a link or an attached file. Clicking may take you to a fake website that tries to steal your personal and financial information, or put harmful software on your device.

An example of what it can look like

Not a real message: the details are made up.

Social Security Administration <statement@ssa-statements.example>

Your Social Security Statement is ready to download. To avoid a hold on your benefits, review it within 24 hours. Download Statement (PDF): ssa-statement-view.example Questions? Call our office at (202) 555-0134. Social Security Administration

How to tell

• It says your Social Security statement is ready to download.
• It has a download link or an attached file. Social Security never sends download links or attachments you did not ask for.
• The sender's email address does not end in ".gov".
• It rushes you, or warns that your benefits or Social Security number will be suspended.
• It asks you to call a number, pay, or give personal information.

What to do

• Do not tap any link or open any attached file in the email.
• Do not reply, and do not call a phone number from the email.
• To see your real account, type ssa.gov/myaccount yourself into your web browser, the app you use to visit websites.
• Delete the email and report it.
• Talk to someone you trust before you pay anything or share information.

If you already tapped, paid, called or replied

1. Stop all contact with the sender. Do not answer their emails, calls, or texts.
2. If you typed a password into the page, change that password right away. Go to the real website by typing its address yourself.
3. Call your bank or credit card company to protect your accounts. Use the number on the back of your card. If you lost money, also contact your local police.
4. Did you give your Social Security number? If someone has used your Social Security number, report it at IdentityTheft.gov. If it hasn't been used, or you aren't sure, go to IdentityTheft.gov/databreach.
5. If you tapped a link or opened a file, run a scan with your security program, such as antivirus. It looks for harmful software. You can also ask a friend or family member you trust for help.

How to check for real

Type ssa.gov/myaccount yourself into your web browser (the app you use to visit websites) and sign in to your my Social Security account. Or call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213.

Where to report it

• Social Security's Office of the Inspector General: oig.ssa.gov/report. You can also report it at ssa.gov/scam.
• The Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• If you clicked a link, opened a file, or gave personal information: the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov

Free guides that go with this

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Where this comes from

Written from these official warnings, checked 2026-09-25. Lantern is not part of any organization named on this page.

• SSA Office of the Inspector General: Fraudulent Social Security statement emails
• SSA Office of the Inspector General: Unexpected letter, text, or email? Think scam first
• FTC: What to do if you were scammed
• FTC: Scammers impersonate the Social Security Administration