2027 Social Security COLA Scams: Texts and Calls to Ignore

Every fall, Social Security announces the next year’s cost-of-living adjustment, and every fall scammers use the news. On October 14, 2026, Social Security announced a 3.6% increase for 2027. A 2027 COLA scam is any text, call, email or letter that tells you to pay a fee, share personal information or click a link to get that increase.

You don’t have to do anything to receive the COLA. For more of the tricks Social Security impostors use, see our guide to Social Security scams.

Do you have to do anything to get the 2027 COLA?

No payment, no sign-up and no “activation.” According to Social Security’s announcement:

• Nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 3.6% COLA beginning in January 2027.
• Increased payments to about 7.3 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2026.
• On average, retirement benefits will increase by $75 a month.

Social Security says the Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated, tying it to a federal consumer price index.

What do COLA scam texts and calls say?

Social Security lists a demand for personal information or payment to activate a cost-of-living adjustment or other benefit increase among the tactics scammers use. Other red flags on its scam page include threats to suspend your Social Security number, pressure to act immediately and requests for payment by gift card, gold, cryptocurrency or cash.

EXAMPLE — SCAM

Today 11:48 AM●●● ▮

# (202) 555-0129 Text message

SSA NOTICE: Your 2027 COLA increase is pending. Verify your identity and pay the $49 processing fee within 48 hours to activate your new benefit amount: https://ssa-cola-update.example.com

Social Security says it will never ask for sensitive or personal information through social media, email or text message.

Can someone increase your benefits for a fee?

No. In September 2026, Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General warned about calls, ads, letters, texts and social media posts offering to “boost,” “unlock” or “maximize” benefits for an upfront fee. The OIG says Social Security does not offer to increase benefits in exchange for money, benefit amounts are set by law, and Social Security will never call to offer increased benefits in exchange for information or a fee.

Where can you see your real COLA notice?

In your own account, or in your mailbox:

• Online: Social Security says people with a my Social Security account can view their COLA notice starting in late November, up to three weeks before the paper notice. If you don’t have an account, you need to create one and enroll in paperless notices by November 18 to see it online. Type ssa.gov/myaccount into your browser yourself; don’t use a link from a text or email.
• By mail: people who aren’t enrolled in paperless notices will get their COLA notice by mail in December.

Social Security says the notice is a simplified, one-page letter with the exact dates and dollar amounts of your new benefit and any deductions. Information about Medicare changes for 2027 will be posted at Medicare.gov.

Where do you report a Social Security scam?

• SSA Office of the Inspector General: oig.ssa.gov/report.
• Questions about your benefits: hang up and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. The OIG also warns that legitimate companies and other agencies cannot transfer your call directly to Social Security or the OIG.
• If you paid or shared information: call your bank, and follow our first-hour checklist after a scam. If a scammer has your Social Security number, see our identity theft steps.

For more places to report, see how to report a scam call and government impostor scams.