New Mexicans are being warned to stay alert as a wave of phishing scams impersonating the Social Security Administration (SSA) continues to target unsuspecting residents with alarming emails designed to steal personal information or infect their devices with malware.
These types of scams aren’t new—but they’re growing more sophisticated and increasingly localized. One particularly dangerous variation is the SSA phishing scam, which falsely claims that your Social Security number is under investigation for serious crimes like drug trafficking and money laundering. Some of these fraudulent emails even cite alleged criminal activity in states like Texas and New Mexico to lend an air of credibility and fear.
One recent phishing email read:
“We are conducting an ongoing inquiry into your Social Security Number and identity due to suspected links to drug trafficking. A series of international wire transfers to accounts on the Federal Trade Commission’s restricted list has been flagged. There have been reports of suspicious activities associated with your Social Security Number in Texas and New Mexico… The Texas Court has directed the suspension of your Social Security Number due to its association with money laundering activities involving your bank accounts.”
These messages often look official, citing agencies like the SSA, the FTC, and even state attorneys general. They typically claim that your SSN is about to be suspended unless you take immediate action—usually by clicking a link or downloading a document. Of course, doing so can install malware, steal your data, or lead to financial fraud.
Why These Scams Work
Scammers rely on two key psychological tactics: urgency and impersonation. By claiming your SSN is linked to criminal activity and suggesting law enforcement or legal action is imminent, they aim to push you into panic mode. Once you’re scared, you’re more likely to act without thinking—exactly what scammers want.
They also overwhelm the victim with legal-sounding jargon and multi-state references to make the situation appear complicated and beyond the control of the average citizen. That’s where many victims freeze—and click the link.
How to Spot These Fake Emails
Legitimate communications from the Social Security Administration will:
- Address you by your full legal name—not “Dear recipient” or “User.”
- Never threaten you with arrest or suspend your SSN over email.
- Never request sensitive personal information or payments via email.
In contrast, scam emails tend to be vague, grammatically inconsistent, and heavy-handed in their threats. If you receive a message like this, don’t click anything.
10 Ways New Mexicans Can Protect Themselves
- Pause when the message feels urgent. Government agencies don’t demand immediate action or payment through emails, especially not with threats of jail or SSN suspension.
- Use reliable antivirus protection. Strong antivirus software can flag suspicious emails, dangerous websites, and malicious downloads.
- Reduce your digital footprint. Your data may be exposed online. Consider using data removal services to scrub your information from broker sites.
- Use multiple emails. Keep your financial, shopping, and public emails separate to limit exposure.
- Check your credit and SSA account regularly. Free credit monitoring and reviewing your SSA statement can help you catch fraud early.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA). Adding an extra verification step protects your online accounts even if your password is stolen.
- Use strong, unique passwords. A password manager can help create and store secure logins.
- Keep your devices updated. Security patches close vulnerabilities that scammers exploit.
- Consider identity theft protection. Services can monitor your SSN, alert you to suspicious activity, and help freeze your accounts in emergencies.
- Report phishing attempts.
- Forward phishing emails to: reportphishing@apwg.org
- Report SSA scams: oig.ssa.gov/report
- File a report with the FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
The New Mexico Context
Residents across the Land of Enchantment should be especially cautious. Scammers often localize their messages by naming states like New Mexico in their threats to increase believability. With our proximity to the southern border and recent high-profile criminal enforcement stories, some emails even attempt to link recipients to fictitious drug trafficking networks.
If you or someone you know has received one of these emails, stay calm, don’t engage, and report it. Spreading awareness could prevent someone in your community from becoming the next victim.
Final Takeaway
Phishing scams are evolving, but the core tactic is the same: instill fear, urgency, and confusion to make you act without thinking. With a skeptical eye and good digital habits, you can protect yourself—and your Social Security number—from these criminals.
Stay safe, New Mexico.
I’m sure the next scam will be a full presidential pardon signed by president Biden. He put out so many, who’d know the difference.
And That auto pen is still floating around out there somewhere.