Social Security Calls

The Federal Trade Commission reports a spike in the number of people receiving fake calls from the Social Security Administration.  Since January 2018, the FTC reports they have received 63,000 reports and losses of $16.6 million. 

Scammers usually say your social security number has been suspended because of suspicious activity or because it has been involved in a crime.  Scammers are able to make it look like the calls are coming from the Social Security Administration’s number or a similar number.  The FTC has posted a sample of such a call on its website which is worth listening to.  (https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/12/what-social-security-scam-sounds )

• Never give your SSN, credit card or bank account number to anyone who contacts you. Ever.
• The real SSA will never threaten your benefits or tell you to wire money, send cash or put money on gift cards.
• Don’t trust the number on your caller ID.  Scammers can easily fake these numbers.  If you have concerns—hang up and call the Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213.  You can trust the number if you dial it yourself.

Help protect others and report any such calls that you receive to https://ftc.gov/complaint