Warning: Scammers ‘spoofing’ SSA phone number

Authorities are warning about a new scam in which imposters claiming to be Social Security Administration employees trick people into divulging their Social Security numbers and sending money. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), here’s how the scam works:

• The scammers often use robocalls “spoofing” the SSA’s customer service number to make it look like the calls are coming from the SSA.
• The SSA imposters tell you your Social Security number has been suspended because of suspicious activity.
• They ask you to confirm your Social Security number.
• They say you need to withdraw money from the bank and store it on gift cards or in other unusual ways for “safekeeping.”
• They may tell you your accounts will be seized or frozen.

Here are five things you can do to deal with these calls:

1. Do not trust caller ID.
2. Hang up. Do not give the caller your Social Security Number or any other personal information.
3. Check with the real Social Security Administration. Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to find out if the SSA is really contacting you.
4. Tell your family and friends about the scam. Others may not know about it yet. Help educate them.
5. Report it. File a complaint at FTC.gov/Complaint.

As always, feel free to contact us with any questions.