Please be aware!
It seems that you can’t go a day without receiving some kind of scam call anymore. However, some of these calls aren’t trying to sell you something, rather they are trying to take advantage of Social Security beneficiaries. There has been an increase of individuals who fraudulently claim to be from the Social Security Administration trying to reach beneficiaries. Social Security phone scams are the #1 type of fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission and Social Security. Various sources are reporting a 23-25% increase in complaints from consumers indicating that they have received calls from people fraudulently claiming to be employees of the Social Security Administration.
Ring, Ring, Then They Strike
The callers tend to target older individuals, but may target people of all ages. They claim that a social security number is being used illegally or that there is an overpayment on an
account that needs to be repaid. The caller threatens to block an individual’s monthly payment or take legal action if their demands are not met. These individuals then extort cash payments, gift cards or other items from the victim.
Don’t Be A Victim
If you receive a call like this, please do not give any information to the caller. Immediately, call the Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the facts. Never give your social security number over the telephone. Anyone contacting you on behalf of the Social Security Administration will not ask for any of your private information via phone. Generally, the Social Security Administration corresponds by mail, not by telephone and you should be suspicious of any phone calls that seem to be the slightest bit unusual. Sending money or other items without written correspondence is never appropriate. Always call the Social Security Administration directly to confirm any information that you receive by an unsolicited telephone call.
