What should you do if you get a call claiming there’s a problem with your Social Security number or account?

Be very cautious because it may be a scam! Scamming happens every day to people and it’s very scary! Educating yourself is your best weapon. Being informed and knowing what to watch for can greatly minimize the chances of this happening to you. Recognizing some of the signs of a scam gives you the confidence to ignore it and the ability to take that power away from the criminal. 

 Here are some red flags examples to watch for.  Criminals can try to trick you by: 

  • using official looking letters and pictures of identification and badges and phone numbers
  • threatening to take legal action, arrest you, or seize your bank account
  • offering a big prize or benefit increase
  • attempting to gain your trust by pretending to be from a business or organization that you know,
  • pressuring you to pay money in a specific way such as; gift cards, wire transfers, mailing cash, cryptocurrency
  • demanding secrecy and your personal information
  • using social media methods to contact you

Always be cautious. If you feel that you are being scammed do not engage. Its ok to not be polite.  Just hang up, don’t reply, don’t respond, don’t provide any personal information.

If you think you may have provided personal information or any financial details to a scammer, quickly contact your bank and credit card companies to let them know of potential fraud.

Any scamming should immediately be reported. 

Social Security Administration (SSA) 1-800-772-1213 or visit their website https://www.ssa.gov/scam/

CLICK HERE TO REPORT TO SSA 

and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 1-877-382-4357 or visit their website https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/

CLICK HERE TO REPORT TO FTC