Citizens should beware of Social Security phone scam
The Social Security Administration wants to warn citizens of a widespread phone scam that is going around.
“Scammers go to great lengths to trick you out of your personal information. We want to help you protect your information by helping you recognize a Social Security imposter,” said Phylis Dills, a public affairs specialist for SSA, in a news release.
The widespread telephone scam involves callers claiming they’re from Social Security. The caller ID may even show a government number.
“These callers may tell you there’s a problem with your Social Security number. They may also threaten to arrest you unless you pay a fine or fee using gift cards, prepaid debit cards, a wire transfer or cash. That call is not from us,” Dills said.
If you receive a suspicious call from someone alleging to be from Social Security, please:
■ Hang up right away.
■ Never give out personal information, money or gift cards.
■ Report the scam at oig.ssa.gov to Social Security’s law enforcement team at the Office of the Inspector General.
Social Security will not:
■ Threaten you.
■ Tell you that your Social Security number has been suspended.
■ Call you to demand an immediate payment.
■ Ask you for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
■ Require a specific means of debt payment such as a prepaid debit card or cash.
■ Demand that you pay a debt without the ability to appeal the amount you owe.
■ Promise a benefit approval or increase, in exchange for information or money.
■ Request personal or financial information through e-mail, text messages, or social media.
Social Security will:
■ Sometimes call to confirm you filed for a claim or discuss other business you have with them.
■ Mail you a letter if there is a problem.
■ Mail you a letter if you need to submit payments that have detailed information about options to make payments and the ability to appeal the decision.
■ Use emails, text messages, and social media to provide general information on its programs and services if you have signed up to receive these messages.