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THAT CALL FROM SOCIAL SECURITY MAY BE A SCAM CALL

Be very suspicious if you get a call from "Social Security" telling you that

  • Your account has been suspended
  • You are the victim of identity theft
  • You may be entitled to more benefits
  • There is some other problem with your Social Security card
  • You need to send in a payment right now
In almost 100 percent of the cases, this is NOT a call from Social Security; it's a scam call by a criminal.  The caller ID may indicate that it's a legitimate call but caller ID can be rigged by scammers to look real.

If you have ongoing business with Social Security, they could call you.  Otherwise, they will not.  And here are things Social Security will NEVER do:

  • Threaten you.
  • Suspend your Social Security number.
  • Demand immediate payment from you.
  • Require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, internet currency, or wire transfer.
  • Ask for gift card numbers over the phone or to wire or mail cash.
If the person calling you doesn't already know your Social Security number, it is always a scam.  Anyone calling from Social Security would know your SSN.  If they ask you the number they are phishing to get your information.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET A SCAM CALL

1.  Refuse to give any of your personal information over the phone.
2.  Refuse to send any type of payment or wire transfer.
3.  Do not return any phone calls left by this caller.
4.  Look up the legitimate phone number for your local Social Security office.  Call that office (not the number left by the scammer), and ask if Social Security needs to speak to you.

Protect yourself.  Social Security is not calling people out of the blue.  Most official Social Security business is handled by sending you a letter.

Tell your family and friends to watch for these pernicious scams.



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