The email’s subject line says “Get Protected,” but following its instructions will do anything but protect you. The sender appears to be the “Social Security Administration,” but it’s not.
It’s a new and devious phishing scam. The real Social Security Administration is warning consumers about it because the email looks very authentic. The email claims that the Social Security Administration has new features that will alert you to unauthorized use of your Social Security number and help you monitor your credit reports. The email even refers to a piece of legislation called the “S.A.F.E. Act of 2015” – which doesn’t exist.

If you get a phishing email like this in your inbox, don’t click! If you do, malware will immediately get installed on your computer. And don’t click on any links in the email. Those links will send you to a fake Social Security website that will prompt you for personal information.

Instead, forward the email to [email protected]. Then delete it. You might also want to warn your family and friends about this new scam.