Deputies warn of scam via Social Security

LANCASTER — Lancaster Sheriff’s Station officials warned residents Thursday about ongoing social security card scams.

The warning included a rough transcript of one of the calls and what to look for if you think a phone call may be a scam:

According to the transcript, the caller tells the would-be victim their Social Security number has been suspended and threatens to cancel the benefits until further clearance. The would-be victim is asked to contact the Social Security administration by pressing a number on the telephone’s dial pad. The caller further threatens the would-be victim with a permanent block of the Social Security account if they do not hear back from the would-be victim. Here is what to look for if you think a phone call might be a scam:

•Never call back the number provided to you by the caller. Search for a number to the agency directly. The Social Security Administration can be reached at www.ssa.gov or by calling 800-772-1213.

•The Social Security Administration will never call you to confirm your Social Security number. It already has it. Make sure you never confirm the last four, your address, your date of birth or any other information when you receive a call. When you make the call, a confirmation of some information may be necessary.

•A sense of urgency is usually displayed with scams. One or two calls will be made, giving the victim a deadline (on this date and time, the police will arrest you; on this date and time your Social

Security number will become inactive). As the given date and time approach, the calls will become more persistent and aggressive, creating a false sense of urgency to panic the victim into making a decision.

•Often times, scams prey on elderly and non-English speaking residents. Share this information with your friends to ensure they are aware of these ongoing scams.

The best way to protect yourself from a scam like this is to hang up. Do not engage with the caller, answer any questions or provide information.

Calls like this become a crime only when the resident becomes a victim, meaning most of the time, there is little that law enforcement can do to prevent or stop the scam.

Visit the official page of the Social Security Administration, www.ssa.gov, for details.