FTC warns of growing Social Security scam

The Federal Trade Commission issued a warning Dec. 27 concerning a Social Security scam that has begun to “grow exponentially.”

According to an FTA news release, over 35,000 people have reported Social Security scams this year, with total losses around $10 million. Scammers often pretend to be the Social Security Administration.

Jennifer Leach, acting associate director for the FTC Division of Consumer and Business Education, stated in the release that scammers often claim that a Social Security number is suspended because of criminal activity.

“Sometimes, he’ll say your bank account is about to be seized – but he’ll tell you what to do to keep it safe,” she stated. “Often, that involves putting your money on gift cards and giving him the codes – which, of course, means that your money is gone.”

The release also stated that some scammers can mimic the real SSA phone number (1-800-772-1213) on someone’s caller ID, however it is not the SSA.

Leach recommends, “If you’re worried about what the caller says, hang up and call 1-800-772-1213 to speak to the real SSA. Even if the wait time is long, confirm with the real SSA before responding to one of these calls.

“Your Social Security number is not about to be suspended. You don’t have to verify your number to anyone who calls out of the blue. And your bank accounts are not about to be seized.”

In the release, the FTC warned people that the Social Security Administration would never threaten their benefits or ask them to send money, and those that do are scammers. They also reminded people to never give out any part of their Social Security number, bank information or credit card number to anyone who contacts them.

The FTC provided an audio clip to help people understand what one of the scam calls sounds like.

BRADLEY C. BOWER — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE Trays of printed social security checks wait to be mailed from the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Management services facility in Philadelphia.