Social Security Administration Warns Immigrants About New Scam Targeting Green Card Applicants

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has issued a nationwide alert warning immigrants—especially recent visa holders and green card applicants—about a fast-spreading phone and email scam targeting individuals navigating the immigration process.

According to SSA officials, scammers are impersonating government officers and threatening victims with arrest, loss of immigration status, deportation, or delays in green card processing unless they make immediate payments or provide sensitive personal information.

How the Scam Works

The scam typically begins with a call from someone claiming to be from “SSA Investigation Services” or “Immigration Enforcement,” using spoofed numbers that appear to be from federal agencies. Victims are told their Social Security number has been “suspended,” or that there is a problem with their immigration file.

Scammers may demand:

• Payment through gift cards
• Wire transfers
• Mobile payment apps
• Cryptocurrency
• Verification of personal data like SSN, passport number, A-number, or bank details

SSA emphasized that no U.S. federal agency ever suspends Social Security numbers, nor does it call to threaten arrest or demand money.

Green Card Applicants Are Being Targeted

Officials say applicants for:

• Adjustment of Status (AOS)
• Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)
• Diversity Visa winners
• Family-based green cards
• Refugee/Asylee benefits

…have increasingly been targeted because they may be unfamiliar with U.S. government procedures and more vulnerable to intimidation.

Immigration advocates note that newcomers have been disproportionately affected. 

SSA: “Hang Up Immediately”

The Social Security Administration advises the public:

• Do not answer calls from unknown federal-looking numbers
• Never give out your SSN, date of birth, or immigration details
• Do not send money or gift cards to anyone claiming to be a government officer
• Report suspicious calls to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG)

The official reporting website is: oig.ssa.gov

SSA also clarified that genuine notices from USCIS or SSA come by mail, not through threatening phone calls, and that agencies never pressure individuals to act immediately or secretly.

Why the Scam Is Spreading

Cybercrime analysts say scammers are exploiting:

• Long immigration wait times
• Confusion over new USCIS processing rules
• Fear among applicants about losing lawful status

“Any time immigration stress rises, scams rise with it,” one cybersecurity expert told Mwakilishi.

What To Do If You Already Responded

SSA instructs victims who shared personal information to:

• Immediately contact their bank
• Freeze credit reports (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
• Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov
• File an SSA OIG complaint