Social Security scams are known for their disastrous effects on an individual’s finances. It’s essential that individuals remain vigilant and on the lookout for any indicators that they’re being targeted for a scam.

So far this year there have been more than 31,000 reported Social Security scam complaints, this article notes. Additionally, there are 46 major criminal investigations actively pursuing companies or individuals who have engaged in fraudulent schemes.

Luckily, there are a number of indicators to be on the lookout for. These include:

• Phone calls, text messages, and emails are a strong indication of a scam. This is especially true if individuals start demanding monetary payments. These could be in the form of gift cards, Venmo, PayPal, or even cryptocurrency.
• Any declaration that there is a problem with your Social Security account.
• Communication through encrypted applications like WhatsApp. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not use these apps to contact you about your account.
• Any threats of arrest if a fee is not paid.

To learn more about what to look out for to avoid becoming the latest victim of a scam, check out our article here.