Beware of Social Security scams!
Calls pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) have reached Warren County.
Scammers are calling those who depend on Social Security and asking for confidential data about it. If the victims refuse to comply with their demands, scammers have threatened to freeze their Social Security assets.
A local woman got a call purporting to be from Social Security. She was informed by the caller that they were not looking for information, but they threatened to cancel her phone for five years if she did not provide her Social Security number. Although she did not fall for the Social Security scam call, the woman is concerned that another elderly person may.
Those who could become a victim of Social Security scam calls are advised to be vigilant and adhere to the Social Security Association’s guidelines.
The Social Security Administration announced on its website on March 8 that scammers might contact people regarding a Social Security-related problem.
Scammers could use letters that appear to be from an official source or images of badges to win your trust in them. They seek both money and personal data through Social Security scam calls.
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Social Security scam calls, emails, texts, and social media messages are just a few of the ways these con artists can communicate with prospective victims.
Scammers may identify themselves as representatives of the SSA or the Office of Inspector General but turns out to be just a Social Security scam.
Recognize the four primary warning signals of a Social Security scam.
Social Security scam artists pose as representatives of an agency, alleging a problem, putting pressure on you to act quickly, and instantly demanding payment in a particular manner.
As stated on the ssa.gov, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will never pressure a client into taking immediate action, threaten to seize a client’s bank account, offer to move a client’s money to a “protected” bank account, demand secrecy, suspend your SSN, demand for sensitive information or payment to activate a cost of living adjustment or additional benefit increase, or direct message a client on social media.
The best strategies to avoid Social Security scams are to remain composed, hang up or ignore the call, safeguard your money and personal information, warn others about potential con artists, and then report the Social Security scam.
Social Security scams must be reported to the Federal Trade Commission, the SSA Office of Inspector General, or your local authorities.
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