A Social Security scam is again making its way around the area. Scammers pretend to be from the Social Security Administration and try to get your Social Security number or your money. In 2018 more than 35,000 people reported the scam, and they say they’ve lost $10 million.
Scammers are saying your Social Security number has been suspended because of suspicious activity, or because it’s been involved in a crime. Sometimes, the scammer wants you to confirm your SSN to reactivate it. Sometimes, he’ll say your bank account is about to be seized – but he’ll tell you what to do to keep it safe. (Often, that involves putting your money on gift cards and giving him the codes – which, of course, means that your money is gone.)
And your caller ID often shows the real SSA phone number (1-800-772-1213) when these scammers call – but they’re faking that number. It’s not the real SSA calling.
The Social Security Administration wants you to know that 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. SSA will never call to threaten your benefits or tell you to wire money, send cash, or put money on gift cards. Anyone who tells you to do those things is a scammer. Never give any part of your Social Security number to anyone who contacts you. Or your bank account or credit card number.