🚨 Social Security OIG Warns: Prize Scammers Are Redirecting Benefit Direct Deposits
Report date: September 9, 2026
Scam type: Prize/contest impersonation and Social Security direct-deposit redirection
What happened
The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General is warning consumers about a scam in which callers claim a person has won a prize or contest, then say the winnings can only be delivered if the victim changes where Social Security benefits are deposited. The requested change may redirect monthly benefit payments away from the victim and can also expose personal and banking information.
How the scam works
A scammer contacts the victim with an unexpected prize or contest claim. To supposedly receive the money, the victim is told to move Social Security direct deposit from the victim’s normal bank account to another destination, such as a prepaid debit card or other account controlled by the scammer. The caller may ask for Social Security information, bank details, or other sensitive information needed to make the change. According to SSA OIG, victims have discovered that their own benefit payments were redirected, and scammers may become hostile when a victim tries to reverse the change.
Who is targeted
Anyone who receives Social Security benefits can be targeted, with particular risk for older adults and others who depend on monthly federal benefit payments.
Warning signs
An unexpected call, text, email, or message saying you won a prize or contest.
A demand that you change your Social Security direct-deposit information before receiving supposed winnings.
A request to redirect benefits to a prepaid debit card or unfamiliar bank account.
Requests for Social Security numbers, bank account information, login credentials, or other sensitive data.
Pressure, threats, hostility, or urgency when you hesitate or try to undo the change.
What consumers should do
Do not change Social Security direct-deposit information because of an unsolicited prize or contest message.
Do not give Social Security or bank-account information to an unexpected caller or message sender.
Review and manage Social Security direct deposit only through your personal my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount or by independently contacting SSA.
If you believe your direct deposit was changed without permission, contact Social Security immediately at the official number 1-800-772-1213.
Report Social Security-related scams at ssa.gov/scam and report fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Why this matters
This variation is especially dangerous because the scam is not limited to stealing a one-time payment. Redirecting a victim’s Social Security direct deposit can interrupt recurring benefit income that may be needed for housing, food, medicine, and other essential expenses. It also gives criminals an opportunity to collect sensitive financial and identity information.
Source
Official Government Warning — Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, September 9, 2026: https://oig.ssa.gov/scam-alerts/2026-09-09-beware-of-direct-deposit-offers-tied-to-prizes/
SSA direct-deposit account access: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount
Report Social Security scams: https://www.ssa.gov/scam
FTC fraud reporting: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
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