Consumers are receiving calls from scammers posing as Social Security Office employees in order to steal personal information. The scammers will claim their potential victims have been involved in a possible homicide in Texas, and if they didn’t cooperate with them, their Social Security would be suspended. Some victims were tricked into giving the scammer their Social Security number and driver’s license info.
The BBB has some tips to avoid falling victim to Social Security scams:
- The Social Security Administration will never call someone and ask for their Social Security number. If that happens, consumers should refuse to give out any personal information and just hang up.
- Don’t trust your caller ID: The internet has made it possible for scammers to use fake IDs when they call you, so it could appear to be a legitimate or local source.
- Contact the Social Security Administration: If you’re concerned about a call from someone claiming to be with the SSA, you can call the real SSA at (800) 772-1213.
- Never give personal information to unsolicited callers.
- Social Security Administration will never ask you to make payment with gift cards. If you are asked to do so, it is a scam.