Don’t Pay for Promises of Increased SSA Benefits

These scams usually begin with an unsolicited call, advertisement, letter, text, or social-media message claiming someone can “boost,” “unlock,” or “maximize” a person’s Social Security benefits for an upfront fee.

How the Scam Works

You receive an offer appearing to be from SSA to boost your benefit amount. The offer sounds legitimate, often asking you to verify the benefits you receive. You may even be directed to an official-looking website or form.

These tactics are usually designed to collect personal information, bank account details, or other personally identifiable information (PII) to activate or process the increase.

The Problem

SSA does not offer to increase benefits in exchange for money. Benefit amounts are calculated by law based on your earnings record and other factors. They are not negotiated over the phone, and you never need to claim the offer or pay processing or administrative fees.

Protect Yourself

• SSA will never call to offer increased benefits in exchange for information or a fee from the claimant or beneficiary.
• Go digital! Sign up for your personal my Social Security account at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ to access your information, verify your earnings, manage benefits and requests online, and monitor for unusual activity.
• If you have questions about your benefits, hang up and call SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213.
• Visit ssa.gov/scam to report Social Security-related scams and learn more.

Download a PDF of this press release here.