Senior citizens across the United States are facing a new and deeply troubling threat: a sophisticated scam targeting recipients of Social Security benefits through official-looking, but entirely fake, government letters. In early October 2025, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for the Social Security Administration (SSA) sounded the alarm, warning that millions of retirees, disabled individuals, and other beneficiaries could become victims if they aren’t vigilant.
The scam’s method is as cunning as it is cruel. According to Newsweek and the official SSA OIG alert, fraudsters are mailing letters that appear to be from the U.S. Supreme Court. These documents are dressed up with counterfeit Supreme Court letterhead, and even bear forged signatures of Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor. The letters are not generic—they are personally addressed, adding a chilling sense of urgency and legitimacy for the recipient.
The content of these letters is designed to terrify. Recipients are told, falsely, that they are primary suspects in legal proceedings or criminal charges. The letter claims oversight by Attorney General Raúl Torrez of New Mexico—another attempt to lend credibility by referencing a real official. In some versions, the letter even mentions the “Drug Enforcement Agency,” though the agency’s name is often used incorrectly, revealing the scammer’s lack of familiarity with U.S. law enforcement structures.
Perhaps most alarming is the demand for immediate action: the letter asserts that the Supreme Court has ordered all the recipient’s financial assets to be frozen, and that they are not allowed to keep more than $10,000 in any bank account or maintain investments worth $80,000 to $100,000. Some letters go further, alleging that the victim’s Social Security Number (SSN) has been compromised and that a new one is being issued. These tactics are meant to scare individuals into compliance, prompting them to share personal information or send money to “resolve” the fabricated legal matter.
Michelle L. Anderson, Acting Inspector General for the SSA, minced no words in a public statement: “On every level this letter is completely false. Scammers continue to exploit fear and confusion by impersonating government agencies and officials. These criminals are falsely accusing an individual of a crime and using federal agencies and federal officials to try to scare and legitimize their scam—if you get this type of letter, rip it up and report it. Be aware of any variations of this scam.”
This scam isn’t limited to mailed letters. As reported by Newsweek and personal finance writers, fraudsters are increasingly integrating multiple channels—follow-up emails, texts, and even phone calls using AI-generated voices and deep fake videos—to reinforce their deception. John Haraburda, a scam expert at Transaction Network Services, explained, “This SCOTUS Scam comes with many of the telltale markers used by fraudsters to appear legitimate—an official looking document from the highest court in the land; personalization to the target with their name and address; and threats of criminal consequences and urgency if the recipient doesn’t comply. Our ongoing analysis finds fraudsters are turning more to these multi-pronged scams that integrate voice and text with emails or, in this case, physical letters, which means Americans need to be extra vigilant.”
The stakes are high. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the average financial loss per victim of such scams is about $9,000, and for seniors aged 70 to 84, the average loss climbs to nearly $12,000. In 2023 alone, Americans lost over $1 billion to similar scams. But the damage doesn’t end with lost money. As Michael Ryan, a finance expert and founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com, told Newsweek, “The real damage isn’t just the immediate financial loss. It’s the identity theft that follows. Once scammers have your SSN and personal details, they can file fake tax returns, open credit accounts, and even claim your benefits before you do.”
Why are seniors and Social Security recipients such a prime target? The answer lies in the numbers and in the vulnerability of the population. More than 70 million people in the U.S. receive Social Security benefits each month, making them a massive pool for scammers to exploit. Many recipients are retirees or people with disabilities—groups that may be more likely to trust official-looking correspondence, and more susceptible to threats involving their finances or legal standing.
The SSA and OIG have responded by ramping up their public awareness campaigns. Their advice is clear and consistent: no government agency—including the SSA, the IRS, or the Supreme Court—will threaten arrest, demand immediate payment, request credit or debit card numbers over the phone, or ask for bank transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrencies. They will never ask you to move money to a “secure” account, a term that is a major red flag for scams.
Caroline Raker, a registered Social Security analyst, emphasized the importance of skepticism and verification. “Anyone targeted should avoid clicking links or replying and be sure to verify the claim through official government websites, and report it to the Federal Trade Commission or the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General,” she told Newsweek. “If you’ve already provided information or money, act quickly to freeze accounts, monitor credit reports, and file a formal fraud report.”
The SSA’s advice boils down to three words: “Stop, Think, Talk.” Before making any payments or sharing personal information, stop and consider whether the request could be a scam. Think about the situation rationally, and talk to someone you trust—a friend, family member, or financial advisor. If you receive suspicious communication, hang up or destroy the letter. Don’t use contact information provided in the letter; instead, reach out to the agency directly using the official number from their website.
Experts also urge recipients to regularly check their Social Security accounts at ssa.gov/myaccount for suspicious activity, and to report scams promptly at ssa.gov/scam. During periods of government shutdowns or other times when agencies are harder to reach, scammers may increase their activity, knowing that confusion and uncertainty make their job easier.
Ultimately, the best defense is awareness. As Michelle L. Anderson put it, “Scammers continue to exploit fear and confusion by impersonating government agencies and officials.” With more than 70 million Americans relying on Social Security benefits, staying informed and vigilant is crucial. The SSA and OIG are doing their part to spread the word, but it’s up to individuals and their communities to heed the warnings, recognize the red flags, and protect themselves from this growing threat.
For those who depend on Social Security, a healthy dose of skepticism could be the best safeguard against losing not just their money, but their peace of mind as well.