AARP warns of Social Security scam
The AARP is warning everyone, but most especially senior citizens, about Social Security Scams. These scams are what’s called a ‘government imposter scam.’ That’s where crooks contact you pretending to be from a government agency like the IRS, Social Security Administration, or law enforcement.
There was a huge uptick in government imposter scams last year. According to The Federal Trade Commission, scams involving someone pretending to be from the Social Security Administration are the most common.
It makes sense, your Social Security number is tied to your retirement and income and hearing there’s a problem will immediately trigger a fear response. Crooks count on that. They hope you’ll be so full of adrenaline that you hastily give them private information or send them money before you have time to think. One of the most common tricks involves calling or emailing someone to tell them that their Social Security Number has been linked to a crime. They’ll tell you that your Social Security number has been frozen or suspended and you’re in big trouble if you don’t do exactly what they say immediately. Usually, that involves you ‘confirming’ your Social Security Number by giving it to them. Sometimes they offer to let you put up a bond for your SSN by wire transferring money or purchasing gift cards.
Here’s the deal, The Social Security Administration does not suspend or freeze Social Security numbers. The very last thing Social Security Administration needs is for you to read them your SSN. It’s the one thing you can be sure they have. And absolutely any time that someone other than the teenager who mows your lawn tells you they need to be paid in gift cards, it is 100% guaranteed a scam.
Please make sure to share this information with anyone you know who might be vulnerable to scammers.
AARP warns of Social Security scam