What to do when the “Social Security Administration” calls
The phone rings and the caller on the other end identifies himself as a representative from the Social Security administration, calling to let you know that your Social Security number has been compromised or suspended. He knows your full name and address. He confidentially provides his name and contact information. Sounds legitimate, right?
Wrong.
The Social Security Administration, along with its Office of the Inspector General, have launched a joint public service announcement addressing a nationwide telephone impersonation scheme. These scam calls have become a huge problem – over the past year, more than 35,000 complaints were filed with the FTC.
Most government contact is done through the postal system. While the SSA does occasionally need to reach out and contact people by phone – although usually only those who have ongoing business with the department – they will never ask for money, promise an increase in benefits or threaten you.
“We urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your Social Security number or bank account information to unknown people over the phone or Internet,” said Nancy A. Berryhill, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “If you receive a call and are not expecting one, you must be extra careful – you can always get the caller’s information, hang up and contact the official phone number of the business or agency the caller claims to represent.”
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the Social Security Administration,
- Hang up immediately – don’t give out any personal information. If in doubt, contact the SSA directly.
- Don’t send money by wire transfer, prepaid card or gift card
- Report the call to the FTC
- Tell your friends, family and community