If you think you’re not at risk of Social Security identity theft, think again. Older adults are frequent targets of scammers who use sophisticated tactics to steal Social Security numbers, open fraudulent accounts, and even reroute benefits.
In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission received more than 60,000 reports of government imposter scams, many of them targeting retirees via phone calls, emails, and fake letters. We spoke with Ryan Thornton, a retirement advisor with 30 years of experience, to help you understand how these scams work, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you think your identity has been compromised.
The #1 Way Scammers Trick You
Scammers most often strike by phone. You’ll get a call that seems urgent, someone claiming to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) saying your number was compromised or suspended and asking for personal details to “verify” your identity. “Social Security will never make unsolicited calls asking for your number,” Thornton says. “If you get a call like that, it’s almost always a scam. Hang up.”
They may threaten legal action, say your benefits will be withheld, or pressure you to provide your Social Security number or bank info on the spot. Don’t fall for it. The real SSA communicates by mail, not phone.
If You Suspect Identity Theft, Act Fast
If you think your Social Security number has been stolen or misused, time is critical.
According to Thornton, the first step is to freeze your credit reports. You can do this for free at all three major credit bureaus—Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Freezing your credit prevents anyone from opening new accounts using your identity.
Next, monitor your bank and credit card accounts closely for a few weeks. If you spot anything suspicious, contact your financial institution immediately and file a fraud report.
You should also:
Contact the SSA to report misuse
File a report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov
Report scam calls to the Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov
Smart Tools to Stay Safe (That Don’t Cost a Thing)
While there are paid identity protection services, Thornton recommends starting with a few free and highly effective tools:
Freeze your credit reports: A top-tier defense that blocks new credit or loan accounts from being opened.
Set up your “My Social Security” account at SSA.gov before someone else does it in your name.
Use a password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden to generate strong, unique passwords and avoid reusing the same ones across multiple accounts.
Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to preview incoming mail and spot any suspicious gaps that might signal mail theft. “These steps are simple, free, and incredibly effective,” says Thornton. “And most people don’t realize how much protection they can add with just a few minutes of setup.”
A Common Mistake: Thinking It Won’t Happen to You
Scammers specifically target retirees because they know many older adults receive monthly benefits and may be less familiar with digital threats. And identity theft doesn’t just threaten your credit score, it can result in lost benefits, false tax filings, and unrecoverable financial damage. “Unfortunately, I’ve worked with clients who didn’t know their benefits had been hijacked until months later,” says Thornton. “By then, the damage is already done.” That’s why being proactive is key. Set alerts. Monitor your accounts. Keep your personal information private, even from people claiming to be official.
About the expert
Russ Thornton is a retirement advisor with over 30 years of experience in the financial industry. His true passion lies in helping women navigate the transition into retirement with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. Russ believes retirement isn’t just about the numbers, it’s about living life on your own terms and leaving a meaningful legacy. Learn more about Russ and his work at WealthCare for Women.
