Scam Calls: What the Social Security Administration Won’t Do

It seems that every cellphone owner has been complaining about being bombarded with telemarketing or fraudulent calls in recent months. To protect yourself, you should take note of scams that some people may be falling for. The Social Security Administration scam is the number one scam reported to the Federal Trade Commission right now. It typically involves a caller or email sender claiming to be from the Social Security Administration, and the fraudster demands that you pay them with a gift card or by wiring money. They may even threaten that your Social Security Number will be suspended or that you will be arrested if you don’t comply. Don’t fall for it. Keep this in mind.

• The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten your benefits.
• It will never tell you to wire money, send cash, or place money on a gift card.
• Your Social Security Number will not be suspended.

In past years, it was easier to spot unwanted calls. Back then, if you didn’t recognize the number or it was from an “unknown caller,” you simply didn’t answer. Today’s scammers have become more creative by using phone numbers containing your own area code, hoping that you will fall for the idea that it might be an old friend or neighbor.  Beware of calls from unknown numbers. If you suspect fraud, avoid giving out personal information such as your Social Security Number, and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

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