Fraudsters are trying to steal Social Security numbers, according to the AARP Fraud Watch Network.
Gale Stallworth Stone, the acting inspector general of the Social Security Administration, is warning citizens about scammers copying the administration’s toll-free number so it shows on caller IDs.
The Stone said scammers have “spoofed” SSA’s national customer service phone number, displaying 1-800-772-1213 on caller ID. However, the calls are likely from criminals exploiting the administration’s reputation and authority.
The fraudsters are using increasingly threatening language, saying citizens will be arrested or face other legal action if they fail to provide their Social Security number or if they fail to call a provided phone number to address the issue.
Scammers will try anything to mislead and harm innocent people, including scaring them into thinking that something is wrong with their Social Security account and they might be arrested, according to the Social Security Administration.
“Citizens should not engage with these calls or provide any personal information,” Stone said.
She advised not answering the phone or let the call go to voice mail.
“SSA employees will never threaten you for information, Stone said. “They will not state that you face potential arrest or other legal action if you fail to provide information.”
“I encourage everyone to remain watchful of these schemes and to alert family members and friends of their prevalence,” Stone said.
The SSA urges citizens to be cautious and avoid providing Social Security numbers or bank account numbers to unknown persons over the phone or internet.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from the Social Security Administration should hang up and report that information to the Office of Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online at https://oig.ssa.gov/report.
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