Essential Tips for Identifying Social Security Scam Red Flags

As National Slam the Scam Day approaches on March 5th, 2026, Greg has taken on the mission of educating the public about Social Security scams—those cunning schemes that prey on fear and urgency. Drawing from real-world examples, Greg explains how scammers manipulate victims with threats of arrest or legal action, demanding payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or prepaid debit cards—methods the real SSA would never use.

With his straightforward approach, Greg helps people spot fraudulent claims about their Social Security numbers and recognize impostors by teaching the difference between official government communication and the tactics used by scammers. Whether through practical advice or relatable stories, Greg Doig’s work empowers individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones from evolving financial scams.

Transcript

0:00

This is The Brief on protecting yourself from Social Security scams. So, with National Slam the Scam Day coming up on March 5th, 2026, it's absolutely crucial we make sure you aren't the next target for criminals using sophisticated tactics to steal your money. First, you've gotta identify the red flags of pressure and payment. These scams totally rely on urgency and fear. They'll actually threaten you with arrest, threatening legal action, or seizing your bank accounts if you don't act immediately.

But here's the thing: 0:30

the real SSA is literally never gonna ask you to pay with gift cards, prepaid debit cards, crypto, or mailed cash. And if they claim there's an issue with your Social Security number and offer to move your cash to a "protected account"— yeah, that's a massive scam. Second, you need to distinguish between official communication and imposters. The real Social Security Administration typically gets in touch by mailing a physical letter, not by making aggressive phone calls. They definitely don't send direct messages on social media asking for sensitive info. And hey, even if your caller ID literally says it's the police or government, don't trust it, because scammers spoof those numbers all the time. Finally, know exactly how to react and report. If you get a suspicious call or text, just stay calm and hang up. Do not click any links or attachments. Instead, report the scam straight to the Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov. To sum it up, remember that the government will never threaten you, demand secrecy, or ask for payment via gift cards or crypto. Slam the scam and keep your data safe!