The Social Security Administration (SSA) has issued an urgent warning to retirees, citing a “sharp increase” in fraudulent emails.
The emails aim to steal personal data, including financial information.
The fraudulent emails appear to be sent from the SSA and claim to offer access to the recipient’s Social Security return. However, when a user clicks, it hacks personal data and causes financial loss.
Fake emails are very convincing as they copy official logos, use similar colors and imitate the same language to fool people.
Some of the emails also claim to offer “information about the annual cost of living adjustment.” Others warn of a “possible error in their most recent report,” which urges recipients to download the “security update tool.”
After clicking on the malicious link, the malware gets installed on the system and redirects users to a fake website that steals personal data.
How to detect a fake email
The SSA states that the official email address ends in “.gov.” Commonly, fake emails contain warning signs such as:
- Emails suggesting you have a Social Security return waiting for you to download
- Hyperlinks or attachments called statements or documents
- Urgency to take immediate action
- Addresses that do not end in “.gov”
What to do if you receive a fake email?
In case you receive a scam email, do not respond at all. Delete the email from your inbox immediately. Report the incident to the SSA Office of Inspector General and file a complaint with the FBI.
