If you thought the U.S. Supreme Court contacted you recently, you've probably fallen victim to a new "high-pressure scam," according to government officials.

The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG) issued a warning on Wednesday, Oct. 8, about a "government imposter scam." The independent government agency urged program beneficiaries to be on high alert in the event they are, or were, targeted.

The correspondence is not legitimate despite looking so because it is printed on "fake U.S. Supreme Court letterhead," references specific government officials and uses forged signatures, according to the SSA OIG.

Falsified elements of the "certificate," including the letterhead and signatures, were intended to persuade some of the program's 75 million beneficiaries to "cooperate with the named SSA official, pressuring them to send money or share personal information."

"On every level this letter is completely false. Scammers continue to exploit fear and confusion by impersonating government agencies and officials," Acting SSA OIG Inspector General Michelle L. Anderson said in a statement.

Here's what to know about the "new government imposter scam," including what to do if you believe you, or a loved one, has been targeted.

What to do if you receive the 'scam letter'

According to Anderson, individuals who receive the "scam letter" in question, or any other correspondence, should "rip it up and report it."

"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," Anderson said. "Be aware of any variations of this scam.”

Scammers are also likely to follow up with phone calls or text messages in an attempt to legitimize the claims made in the "scam letter."

Here are some things to look out for, i.e., additional falsifications included in the letter:

  • Errors. (For instance, the incorrectly named “Drug Enforcement Agency.")
  • Claims made about pending legal proceedings or criminal charges.
  • Claims about identity theft and Social Security numbers being issued as a result of a compromise.
  • Claims about frozen assets or issues with bank and investment balances.
  • The letter identifies itself as a "certificate."
  • Official-looking letterhead and signatures.
  • Phrases like the "recipient will bear full liability for any losses incurred."

How to protect yourself from Social Security-related scams

Here are a few tips, courtesy of the SSA IOG, to help protect you or a loved one from Social Security-related scams:

  • Be wary of any individual or entity claiming to be from the SSA or any other government agency.
  • Stop, think and talk to someone you trust before giving out personal information or sending money.
  • Stay up to date on the latest scam warnings and tactics by following the SSA's OIG on social media platforms, including on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

For more consumer protection tips, visit the Federal Trade Commission's website. To report or learn more about Social Security-related scams, visit ssa.gov/scam.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Receive a letter from the Supreme Court? Think again, Social Security watchdog says

Reporting by Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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