Guard Your
Social Security Number
Social Security Numbers (SSN) are the
single, most valuable piece of personal information scammers want. Now
they have found a new way to trick you into handing it over.
Here is How It Works:
· Someone with an
official sounding title calls you claiming to work for the Social
Security Administration (SSA).
· They inform you of the
suspension of your SSN for suspicious activity, or your number was
linked to crime than ask you to verify your details.
· The caller may
threaten you with arrest, suspension of your SSN or the loss of benefits
unless you pay a fee to resolve the matter.
· The latest version of
this scam involves receiving an authentic looking email that you think
came from the SSA. The email contains a link to register for a program
to protect you from Social Security fraud. Although
the website may look real, sadly it’s a scam to steal your information.
Things to Remember about the Social
Security Administration:
· SSA will not call you
unless you first initiated contact with them.
· SSA employees will
never ask for your SSN, if someone does it is probably a scam.
· SSA will not threaten
you with arrest, withhold funds, or suspend your SSN if you refuse to
provide your personal information.
What You Should Do if
Contacted:
· Hang up if someone
calls claiming they work for the SSA. If you’re ever concerned about a
call, dial the SSA at 1(800) 772-1213, instead of the number the caller
gave you.
· Never give your SSN to someone who contacts
you.
· Report
Scams to the Federal Trade Commission.
Call the Pima County Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers with
information about scams and frauds. To contact the Scam Squad directly,
9 am to noon Monday through Friday, call (520) 351-6715,
or email: scamsquad@gvsav.org.
To report suspicious activity or incidents of fraud, call (520) 351-4900.
If you are interested in becoming a Sheriff's Auxiliary Volunteer,
please email gvsavrecruiting@gmail.com for
an application or call (520) 351-6746.
