Social Security Scams – What to Know

Here are some of the popular Social Security scams to watch out for in 2025:

• Scams related to Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): Scammers may attempt to trick individuals into believing they need to take action or provide personal information to receive their automatic COLA increase. However, COLA adjustments are automatic and do not require any action on your part to receive them.
• Phishing Emails and Texts for Social Security Benefits Applications: Criminals are sending emails and text messages that look like official communications from the SSA or other government agencies, and include links to fraudulent websites that mimic the SSA’s official site. These scams aim to lure individuals into clicking on the links and revealing personal information or downloading malicious software. Remember: Government agencies use “.gov” for their official email addresses and website URLs.
• Security Update Tool Scams: Scammers send emails claiming there are errors with Social Security information and instructing recipients to download a “Security Update Tool” to resolve the issue. This is a fake tool designed to compromise your computer system and steal your personal data. The SSA will never ask you to download software to fix errors.
• Threats of Social Security Suspension and Arrest: Scammers, impersonating SSA or law enforcement officials, may threaten to suspend your Social Security Number or benefits, or even arrest you, unless you immediately provide personal information or make a payment. The SSA will not make such threats or demand immediate payment by unconventional methods.
• Fake Information Update Requests: Scammers may contact individuals via various methods (phone calls, texts, emails, or fake letters) requesting personal information to “update” Social Security records or “confirm benefits”. Be wary of these requests, and if you are unsure, contact the SSA directly through their official website or phone number to verify the authenticity of the request.
• Excess Payment Collection Scams: Scammers might contact individuals claiming they received an overpayment of Social Security benefits and demand repayment, often through gift cards or other unconventional methods. The SSA will send official notices via mail if there is an actual overpayment and will not demand payment using these methods.

General warning signs to watch out for

• Threats or Demands for Immediate Action: Scammers will often use high-pressure tactics, threatening legal action or benefit suspension if you don’t act quickly.
• Requests for Payment in Unusual Forms: Be suspicious of requests for payment using gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or by mailing cash.
• Unexpected Communication: Be cautious of unexpected calls, texts, emails, social media messages, or letters, especially if they are unsolicited.
• Links to Unofficial Websites: Always verify that the website you are visiting is the official SSA website (ssa.gov or socialsecurity.gov) and avoid clicking on suspicious links or clicking on anything you have doubt on.

How to protect yourself

• Stay Informed: Follow the SSA OIG on social media (LinkedIn, X, Facebook) or subscribe to their email alerts to stay updated on the latest scam trends and warnings.
• Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Communication: Do not click on suspicious links, download attachments, or share personal information with unknown sources.
• Verify Communication: If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a call, text, email, or letter, contact the SSA directly through their official channels (ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213) to verify the request.
• Never Give Out Sensitive Information to Unknown Sources: The SSA will not ask for your Social Security number or bank account information over social media or through unsecured channels.
• Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication: Protect your online accounts with strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Report Scams: If you suspect a Social Security scam, report it to the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at oig.ssa.gov or call 1-800-269-0271.

By staying informed and taking preventive measures, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of Social Security scams. 

Aggressive Defense in any Courtroom

For anyone facing charges –  Attorney Michael Komorn of Komorn Law PLLC brings extensive experience in criminal defense in any Michigan court, including Federal Court. Call the office to to hire us. 248-357-2550

We represent clients throughout the

State of Michigan and Northern Ohio.

Here are some court contacts we frequently handle cases.

Oakland County

If you are facing any legal charges in Oakland County and need to hire an attorney, call our Office (248) 357-2550. If you need to contact the court, here is the information:

• Telephone Number: (248) 858-0344
• Address: 1200 N Telegraph Rd, Department 404, Pontiac, MI 48341-0404
• Website: Oakland County 6th Judicial Circuit Court

Macomb County

If you are facing any legal charges in Macomb County and need to hire an attorney, call our Office (248) 357-2550. If you need to contact the court, here is the information:

• Telephone Number: (586) 469-5150
• Address: 40 N. Main Street, Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
• Website: Macomb County 16th Judicial Circuit Court

Wayne County

If you are facing any legal charges in Wayne County and need to hire an attorney, call our Office (248) 357-2550. If you need to contact the court, here is the information for the Third Circuit Court (Wayne County):

• Telephone Number (Civil/Family): (313) 224-5510
• Telephone Number (Criminal): (313) 224-5261 or (313) 224-2503
• Address (Civil/Family): 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226
• Address (Criminal): 1441 St. Antoine, Detroit, MI 48226
• Website: https://www.3rdcc.org/

Kent County

If you are facing any legal charges in Kent County and need to hire an attorney, call our Office (248) 357-2550. If you need to contact the court, here is the information:

• Telephone Number: (616) 632-5220
• Address: 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
• Website: Kent County

Traverse County

If you are facing any legal charges in Traverse County and need to hire an attorney, call our Office (248) 357-2550. If you need to contact the court, here is the information for the 13th Circuit Court (which includes Traverse County):

• Telephone Number: (231) 922-4701
• Address: 328 Washington Street, Suite 300, Traverse City, MI 49684
• Website: Traverse City 13h Circuit Court

Monroe County

If you are facing any legal charges in Monroe County and need to hire an attorney, call our Office (248) 357-2550. If you need to contact the court, here is the information:

• Telephone Number: (734) 240-7020
• Address: 106 E First Street, Monroe, MI 48161
• Website: Monroe County 38th Circuit Court