Last Updated on October 1, 2026 12:47 pm
The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG) is warning the public about a fast-growing scam that uses QR codes and barcodes instead of cash or wire transfers to steal money.
The scam typically starts with a phone call or text message from someone claiming to be a police officer, sheriff's deputy, or federal agent. The caller says the victim owes a fine or debt, or claims a family member — often an adult child — has been arrested and needs bail money. Scammers increasingly use voice cloning technology, so victims may even hear what sounds like a loved one's voice.
Rather than asking for cash or a wire transfer, the scammer texts or emails one or more barcodes or QR codes and instructs the victim to visit a retail store, load money onto each code, and read the code back once payment is made. Some victims have lost thousands of dollars without ever giving up a Social Security number or other personal information — the barcode itself is the scam.
SSA OIG stresses that law enforcement officers will never demand immediate payment by sending barcodes or QR codes. Neither will the Social Security Administration, its Office of the Inspector General, or any other government agency. If someone tells you to load money onto a barcode or QR code at a retail store, hang up or ignore the message — it's a scam.
Officials recommend pausing before acting, since scammers create urgency so victims won't have time to think or talk to others. Never trust a call transfer; instead, hang up and call the agency directly using a phone number from its official website.
Anyone who receives a barcode or QR code scam attempt involving someone claiming to be from SSA is encouraged to report it at ssa.gov/scam or by calling the SSA OIG Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. Reports can also be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
