Scam Alert: BBB warns about Social Security scams

Better Business Bureau reports an increase of complaints regarding suspicious calls from scammers, claiming to be Social Security Administration employees, who are trying to get individual Social Security numbers and even money.

According to BBB Scam Tracker, 23 percent of money lost was due to an interaction over the phone and the U.S. government was rated as second most frequently used organization, for impersonation.

Better Business Bureau warns about these scams and how to avoid becoming a victim:

One version of the scam reveals a caller that claims a citizens’ Social Security number (SSN) has been linked to a crime involving drugs or sending money out of the country illegally. The victim is then informed their SSN is blocked — but the scammer might ask the individual for a fee to reactivate it or get a new number. Finally, they may ask to confirm the individual’s SSN.

In another case, the fraudster says somebody used the consumer’s SSN to apply for credit cards and the consumer may lose benefits. The scammer might warn the victim their bank account is about to be seized, state they would need to withdraw their money and tell the consumer how to keep their money “safe.”

Another variation includes an automated recording alleging the person’s SSN has been suspended for suspicion of illegal activity and the individual needs to call the phone number provided immediately to resolve the issue. The call concludes with a threat that if the person does not call the given phone number, his or her assets will be frozen until the supposed issue is resolved.

All of the above are scams and here is what you need to know:

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will never call and ask for your SSN, nor will they ever ask a consumer to pay anything or threaten their benefits.

The caller ID might show the SSA’s real phone number (1-800-772-1213), but that is not the real SSA calling. Computers make it easy to show any number on caller ID.

Never give out your SSN to anyone. Do not confirm the last four digits and do not give a bank account or credit card number — ever — to anybody who contacts you asking for it.

Remember anyone who tells you to wire money, pay with a gift card or send cash is a scammer. No matter who they say they are.

If one is worried about a call from someone who claims to be from the SSA, get off the phone. Call the real SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and report such fraud to BBB Scam Tracker to help others avoid becoming a victim.

Janet Torricellas is the regional director of the Better Business Bureau serving the Pacific Southwest. She can be contacted atjanet.torricellas@ arizonabbb.orgor 928-929-7940.