SOCIAL SECURITY SCAMMERS CHANGE TACTICS

Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, is warning about new tactics being used by telephone scammers.  The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has received reports of telephone scammers using real Social Security official’s names in their calls.

Some names are available on Social Security websites or through an on-line search.  Other callers are being given “badge #s” of law enforcement officers.  Some callers request email attachments be sent with personal information.

Inspector General Ennis emphasizes Social Security will never:

“Suspend” your Social Security number because someone used it in a crime.

Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee.

Require payment by gift card, wire transfer, internet currency or mailing cash.

Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.

Send official letters or reports containing your personal information via email.

If you get such a call Inspector Ennis recommends you hang up

If you owe money to Social Security you will receive a letter in the U.S. mail with payment options and appeal rights. Ennis urges recipients of scam calls to report them to the OIG website