The prevalence of Social Security number scams is on the rise, with crooks using various methods to obtain this valuable piece of information. Whether through texts, phone calls, social media, or mail, scammers are constantly trying to trick individuals into giving up their Social Security numbers. According to the Social Security Administration, these impersonation scams are one of the most common government imposter scams reported to the Federal Trade Commission, resulting in over $100 million being stolen annually.
The most basic form of this scam involves impersonating a government official who will request your Social Security and banking information. Commissioner Marin O’Malley of the Social Security Administration notes that scammers use sophisticated tactics such as pretending to be from Social Security, claiming there is a problem with your Social Security number, and pressuring victims into complying with their demands using various tactics. They may also use fake documents, badge numbers, fraudulent letterhead, and imposter social media pages to target individuals for payment or personal information.
To protect yourself or someone you know from falling victim to these scams, the FTC offers some recommendations. Firstly, do not trust caller ID, as scam calls may appear to be from the Social Security Administration but are actually fraudulent. Additionally, be wary of claims that your Social Security number is about to be suspended or that your bank accounts will be seized, as these are common tactics used by scammers to steal personal information. It is also important not to verify your Social Security number or any other personal information to anyone who contacts you out of the blue.
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten your benefits or request that you wire money, send cash, or put money on gift cards. Anyone who asks for this is undoubtedly a scammer. If you have already been a victim of one of these scams, visit IdentityTheft.gov/SSA to learn what steps you can take to protect your credit and identity. Ultimately, if someone contacts you asking for your Social Security number, it is best to ignore them or hang up, as legitimate agencies would not make such requests over the phone.
Overall, it is essential to remain vigilant and cautious when it comes to protecting your personal information, especially in the age of digital scams and identity theft. By following these tips and being aware of the tactics used by scammers, individuals can better protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to Social Security number scams. Remember to never provide personal information to unknown callers and to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities to help prevent further instances of fraud.
