6 Social Security Scams That Boomers Should Watch For in 2025

A recent press release from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) noted that government imposters had scammed Americans out of $577 million last year as of November.

Baby boomers receiving Social Security are popular targets of schemes that try to scare them into handing over money or providing details that scammers can use to commit identity theft. Often, understanding Social Security benefits and legitimate communications with the Social Security Administration (SSA) can help recipients avoid becoming victims.

Be Aware: 8 Common Mistakes Retirees Make With Their Social Security Checks

Read Next: 4 Low-Risk Ways To Build Your Savings in 2025

Here are six popular Social Security scams that boomers should watch out for in 2025.

Trending Now: Suze Orman’s Secret to a Wealthy Retirement–Have You Made This Money Move?

Cost-of-Living Adjustment Schemes

Each year, the SSA decides on a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that automatically raises benefit payments starting the following January. For example, the COLA is 2.5% for 2025.

Unfortunately, many scammers take advantage of boomers who might not know they don’t need to do anything to get this increase. An imposter might call or email asking for their Social Security number (SSN) or send them a form to fill out to get access to bigger benefits checks.

Any request about benefit increases is likely a scam, so don’t follow through.

Learn More: Social Security Benefits Might Be Harder To Qualify for in the Future: Here’s What You Need To Know

Fake Social Security Benefits Applications

Another Social Security scam targets boomers who are ready to apply for retirement benefits.

While the SSA has an official page with application details, a scammer may send an email with a link to an imposter application website that can look like the real thing at first glance. But a giveaway is that the sender’s email address and the application URL won’t end in .gov.

Always go directly to the SSA website to access benefits applications. Also, keep in mind it’s unlikely that the SSA will text or email links prompting you to apply for or claim benefits.

Security Update Tool Scams

In February 2025, the OIG shared a scam update about a new security update tool scheme that could harm boomers’ computers alongside stealing their information. It involves an email from an SSA imposter that mentions errors with the victim’s Social Security information and has instructions to download and run a program.

The government agency warned the SSA wouldn’t ask Social Security recipients to download software and advised against clicking similar links in emails, texts and other communications. Instead, log in to your Social Security account directly and check your information for any needed updates.

Social Security Suspension Schemes

An OIG quarterly update showed that around 61% of Social Security scams involved claims about either SSNs or benefits issues. In extreme cases, the fraudster will say that the SSA will suspend the victim’s SSN or monthly check unless they agree to do something.

For example, someone might ask you to confirm your SSN or even give them money locally to undo the suspension. The scammer might also claim you’re breaking the law and risking jail time if you don’t follow through. These are all red flags since the SSA won’t make such threats and will typically contact you by mail about problems.

Phony Information Update Requests

Scammers contact boomers through various methods to pressure them into giving personal information supposedly required to update Social Security records or confirm benefits. For example, you might get a fake letter that looks official with the SSA logo or less sophisticated messages through text or email. Some scammers also impersonate the SSA over the phone.

The SSA does call and send letters in certain situations, such as if you’re going through the application process. However, random requests are often scams that attempt to steal your SSN or collect bank account information. It’s best to ignore the request and reach out directly to the SSA to protect your financial and personal information.

Excess Payment Collection Scams

Errors or certain unreported changes may lead to boomers receiving bigger Social Security checks than they should, and the SSA will ask for repayment. However, some scammers call, email or send letters to recipients who don’t have actual overpayment issues and scare them into handing over funds to avoid going to jail or having their benefits stopped.

If you’ve really received an overpayment, the SSA will send you a notice and explain your options. Plus, it won’t ask you to use unconventional payment methods, like crypto, Cash App or gift cards.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Social Security Scams That Boomers Should Watch For in 2025