Scammers specifically target people on disability benefits. Knowing their tactics helps you protect yourself and your income.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Common scams targeting disability recipients
- Red flags to watch for
- Protecting your benefits
- What to do if you're scammed
1. Common Scams Targeting Disability Recipients
Imposter scams:
- Fake SSA calls
- Phony government letters
- IRS imposters
- Medicare fraud
Benefit scams:
- "Increase your benefits" promises
- Back pay recovery services
- Disability application fees
- ABLE account scams
Financial scams:
- Predatory loans
- Investment fraud
- Check cashing schemes
- Card skimming
Identity theft:
- Social Security number theft
- Benefit hijacking
- Medical identity theft
- Account takeover
Important: SSA will never call and demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or ask for gift cards or wire transfers.
2. Red Flags to Watch For
Phone red flags:
- Unexpected calls claiming to be SSA
- Threats of arrest or benefit loss
- Requests for immediate payment
- Caller ID showing "Social Security"
Email/text red flags:
- Links to "verify" information
- Urgent action required
- Misspellings or poor grammar
- Requests for personal info
Mail red flags:
- Requests for payment
- Unfamiliar companies
- "Guaranteed" benefits
- Fees for free services
In-person red flags:
- Door-to-door benefit services
- Pressure to sign immediately
- Requests for cash
- Unfamiliar "representatives"
3. Protecting Your Benefits
Guard your information:
- Never share Social Security number
- Protect your bank info
- Don't give out passwords
- Be cautious with medical info
Verify contacts:
- Call SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213
- Don't use numbers from suspicious calls
- Check official websites (.gov)
- Verify in person if uncertain
Secure your accounts:
- Strong, unique passwords
- Two-factor authentication
- Monitor account activity
- Regular credit checks
Be skeptical:
- If it sounds too good, it probably is
- Legitimate services don't pressure
- Free services don't charge fees
- Government doesn't demand gift cards
4. What to Do If You're Scammed
Immediately:
- Stop all communication with scammer
- Don't send more money
- Document everything
- Save all evidence
Report it:
- SSA Office of Inspector General: 1-800-269-0271
- FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Local police
- State attorney general
Protect yourself after:
- Freeze your credit
- Change passwords
- Monitor accounts closely
- Consider identity theft protection
If benefits stolen:
- Report to SSA immediately
- File identity theft report
- Request benefit review
- Follow up in writing
Specific Scam Prevention
Phone safety:
- Don't answer unknown numbers
- Let calls go to voicemail
- Block spam numbers
- Use call screening
Online safety:
- Only use ssa.gov
- Don't click email links
- Verify website security (https)
- Update devices regularly
Banking safety:
- Monitor transactions daily
- Set up alerts
- Review statements
- Report suspicious activity
How Purple Helps
- Real-time transaction alerts
- Secure account access
- No sharing sensitive info
- Easy fraud monitoring
- Trusted disability-focused service