Are You Aware Of The Latest Social Security Phone Scams?

Whether you receive benefits from Social Security or not, there are many scammers out there who want to try to trick you into sending them money or giving them access to your Social Security number so that they can commit criminal acts. These scams often work best when they target someone who is receiving benefits because they know that you need your benefits and will do anything to ensure you keep receiving them.

Forbes explains that phone scams in general are on the increase, but those targeting Social Security are increasing at the highest rate. These scammers often go to great lengths to convince you that they are legitimate. They may even threaten you or say you will go to jail for not complying.

Common tactics include telling you that your Social Security number is under suspension or someone has compromised it. They may also tell you there is a lawsuit against your Social Security number. These tactics are rather easy to reveal as scams because the Social Security Administration will clear things up if you contact them directly.

In any case, you should know that the government will never threaten you or say they will arrest you over the phone. They will never call you over issues with your Social Security number, and they never suspend or otherwise invalidate Social Security numbers.

These callers will often use number with Washington DC area codes. They will also leave voicemails that sound very formal and official. This is just part of the scam. If you are ever in doubt, do not answer these calls or engage with the scammers. Call the Social Security Administration to verify the call is not legitimate.