Received text claiming to be from Social Security - scam alert or legitimate SSA message?

This is almost certainly a scam. The Social Security Administration generally does NOT communicate through text messages about your benefits or personal information. They primarily use postal mail for official communications, and in some cases, they might email you if you've set up an online account and chosen that communication preference. Here's what you should know: - SSA will NEVER text you links to click - They won't ask for personal info via text - They don't threaten to suspend your SSN via text - Any unexpected communication claiming to be SSA should be treated with suspicion You can always verify by calling the official SSA number (1-800-772-1213) or checking your mySocialSecurity account online directly (not through any links in texts or emails).

I had something similar happen last month! Turned out to be a total scam trying to get me to "verify" my SSN and bank info. I almost fell for it because I was waiting to hear about my SSDI application status. So frustrating that these scammers know exactly when to target us! The text had a link to a site that LOOKED like the official SSA website but the URL was slightly off. If you're ever not sure, call SSA directly at their official number. Yes, the wait times are terrible, but you know it's actually them.

My dad got one of these texts and actually clicked the link (ugh). They asked him to input his SS#, birthdate, and bank details to "verify his identity." Luckily he called me before doing it. We had to freeze his credit just to be safe. These scammers are getting really sophisticated. REPORT IT to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov

DEFINITELY SCAM!!! Social Security NEVER texts you links!! My sister works for SSA and says they're seeing these scams EVERYWHERE right now. They're targeting people who are retiring soon because so many of us are applying for benefits. They know we're expecting messages about our claims. Delete it immediately!!

I work in cybersecurity and can confirm this is a phishing attempt. These scams follow predictable patterns: 1. Create urgency ("important message waiting") 2. Impersonate a trusted authority (SSA in this case) 3. Provide a convenient but malicious link 4. Harvest credentials or install malware The SSA primarily communicates through your my Social Security account, official letters via USPS, or scheduled phone calls that YOU initiate. As an extra verification step, you can call your local SSA office directly to confirm if they've been trying to reach you. Their contact info is on the official SSA website.

I've been trying to reach SSA about my retirement benefits for weeks and it's impossible to get through on their phone lines. I finally discovered a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an actual SSA agent in under 30 minutes! It basically holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU or their website claimyr.com Once I talked to the real SSA, they confirmed they NEVER send texts with links. If you get one, report it to the Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.

i get these all the time lol. one time they said my ssn was suspended for suspicious activity and i needed to call right away to fix it. another time they said i qualified for a cost of living increase if i verified my info. all BS. just delete and move on with your day.

Important to note: The legitimate ways SSA will contact you are: 1. Letters through USPS mail 2. Secure messages in your mySocialSecurity account 3. Scheduled phone calls that YOU arranged 4. In-person appointments at SSA offices If you're expecting communication from SSA about benefits (retirement, survivors, disability, SSI), always log into your mySocialSecurity account directly or call the official number. Never call numbers provided in unexpected texts or emails. The rise in these scams coincides with more Baby Boomers reaching full retirement age (FRA) and applying for benefits. Scammers know this demographic is actively engaged with SSA right now.