Your phone rings. Surprisingly, the caller ID displays “Social Security Administration” or “Medicare Support.” The voice on the other end sounds professional, calm, and terrifyingly specific. Moreover, they know your name, and they might even recite the last four digits of your SSN.
However, do not be fooled. Government impersonation scams are at an all-time high in 2026. Criminals now use AI-generated voice cloning and spoofing technology to hijack your trust. These aren’t clumsy emails with typos anymore; on the contrary, they are scripted psychological operations designed to separate you from your benefits.
1. The “SSN Suspension” Threat
First, the caller asserts that the government has “suspended” your Social Security number due to suspicious activity or a connection to a crime, often citing drug trafficking in Texas. Consequently, they claim they must verify your identity to “reactivate” it. The Truth: In reality, the Social Security Administration never suspends numbers. This claim acts solely as a fabrication to force you to confirm your full number.
2. The “Cost of Living” Boost Fee
Next, scammers exploit high inflation by claiming you are eligible for a new “COLA Bonus” or “Inflation Relief Grant” of $600. Supposedly, they just need a small “processing fee” or your bank details to deposit it. The Truth: As a matter of fact, COLA increases are automatic. Therefore, you never have to apply or pay for them.
3. The “New Plastic Card” Scam
Additionally, fraudsters tell you that Medicare is switching from paper cards to a “secure plastic chip card,” similar to a credit card. As a result, they insist you need to confirm your details to receive the new one. The Truth: Factually, Medicare is not issuing chip cards. Scammers use this ruse to steal your Medicare number to bill fraudulent claims.
4. The “Benefit Overpayment” Refund
Furthermore, they claim the SSA overpaid you last month. Therefore, they demand you refund the difference immediately via wire transfer or gift card to avoid legal action. The Truth: In contrast, if the SSA actually overpays you, they send a formal letter explaining your appeal rights. They never demand instant wire transfers.
5. The “Disaster Relief” Grant
Following a hurricane or wildfire, specific scammers call claiming to represent FEMA or the SSA. They offer “emergency displacement funds” but ask for your bank login to “verify” where to send the money. The Truth: Crucially, disaster aid requires you to apply first. Agencies do not cold-call you with cash offers.
6. The “Unclaimed Assets” Processing
Similarly, a caller might claim the Treasury Department is holding “unclaimed bonds” or benefits in your name. They then send you an official-looking link to a dashboard showing the money. The Truth: Instead of leading to money, the link downloads malware to your device. Always search “unclaimed property” on your state’s official .gov site only.
7. The “Direct Deposit” Switch
Often, they pretend to be tech support from your bank or the SSA. They claim a “routing error” blocked your deposit and ask you to verify your login credentials to “fix” the connection. The Truth: Ultimately, they are trying to reroute your check to their own prepaid debit card.
8. The “Sheriff is Coming” Intimidation
Perhaps the most aggressive tactic involves intimidation. Specifically, they claim you missed jury duty or have unpaid tax liens. Consequently, they threaten that the authorities will seize your benefits and arrest you unless you pay a “bond” immediately. The Truth: Police do not call to negotiate bonds over the phone.
9. The “Computer Virus” Tech Support
Finally, a pop-up on your computer might scream “Microsoft Warning: Suspicious Activity Detected.” When you call the number, the operator claims hackers are trying to steal your Social Security checks. Thus, you need to pay them to “secure” your bank account. The Truth: Tech companies do not monitor your government benefits.
Hang Up and Verify
Remember, the government primarily communicates by mail. Therefore, if you worry the call might be real, simply hang up. Find the official number on your last statement—not the number the caller gave you—and call it back. In almost every case, you will find the agency has no idea what you are talking about.
Have you received one of these calls recently? Share the number or the script they used in the comments to help warn others.
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The post 9 Benefits Calls That Are Actually Scams (Even When They Sound “Official”) appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
