If you answer a phone call claiming to be the Social Security Administration demanding money, the agency wants you to know it's a scam. Show Many Americans fall victim to this trap every year, which can also happen by text, email and postal mail. In 2021, the agency received more than 568,000 reports of Social Security-related scam attempts totaling more than $63.6 million in losses to victims. So far this year, it has received more than 31,000 Social Security-related scam complaints. More from Personal Finance: More incidents may possibly go unreported due to shame or embarrassment, according to government officials. Scammers use fear to try to get people to act without thinking, Kilolo Kijakazi, acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration, said during a Wednesday press call. Steps to take if you receive a suspicious text, call or email:
Fraudsters may say there's a problem with your Social Security number or account. They may ask you for personal information, like your Social Security number or banking information. They may threaten to arrest you if you don't pay a fee or fine. They may even send pictures of fabricated government badges, cite false identification numbers or send letters using fake Social Security Administration letterhead. "The Social Security Administration will never tell someone to wire money, buy gift cards or pay with cryptocurrency," said Gail Ennis, inspector general at the Social Security Administration. "If anyone does ask you that, you know it's a scam." Government officials are working to crack down on the perpetrators of these schemes. Currently, they are pursuing 46 major criminal investigations involving individuals or companies who have engaged in these schemes, Ennis said.  The tactics perpetrators use are getting more elaborate. They may demand cash via Paypal, Venmo or cryptocurrency, in addition to cash, prepaid gift cards, retail gift cards or wire transfers. They may also communicate with victims via encrypted applications like WhatsApp, Telegram or WeChat. For some victims, the scams can result in big losses. One 74-year-old victim liquidated more than $500,000 in retirement savings after he was threatened with arrest. In some cases, the government can recover the money before it's too late. Earlier this year, government officials were able to intercept a package as it was en route to fraud perpetrators that contained $20,000 in cash after a victim reported it. The Social Security Administration will be holding the following events to raise awareness about scams consumers need to watch out for, as part of its third annual Slam the Scam Day:
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Federal authorities say the Social Security Administration scam may be the new IRS scam, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Scammers target you by calling your phone through a robocall and claim your Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended because of suspicious activity, or because it’s been involved in a crime. Here’s what the calls says: "This call is from the department of social security administration.The reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that we just suspend your social security number because we found some suspicious activity. So if you want to know about this case just press 1 thank you. " In those calls or voicemails, sometimes the scammer wants you to confirm your SSN to reactivate it or they’ll say your bank account is about to be seized. Whatever they tell you, the FTC says don’t fall for it. It’s a scam and that’s not the real Social Security Administration calling. That same scam is now a growing concern for officials. The FTC says so far this year more than 35,000 people have reported the scam. Victims have lost a total of more than $10 million. So what should you do if you get a call from one of those scammers? The FTC says don’t answer the call, and if you already have, then hang up. The FTC says be suspicious of any call from a government agency - those agencies don’t call you with threats or promises or demands for money. Scammers do. Don’t trust caller ID – even if it might look like a real call, don’t trust it. Never give them money and check with the real agency. The Federal Trade Commission says If you’re worried, hang up and call the SSA yourself at 1-800-772-1213. If you’ve already received one of these robocall Social Security Scams, contact them with a complaint. Copyright 2019 WBTV. All rights reserved. Why would the Social Security Administration call me?What should I do if I get a call claiming there's a problem with my Social Security number or account? If there is a problem, we will mail you a letter. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us.
How do I know if a Social Security call is real?Know What to Look for
The caller or sender says there is a problem your Social Security number or account. Any call, text, or email asking you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash.
Does Social Security call you for a phone interview?For telephone and in-person interviews, we send a letter telling you that we will call you on a certain date and time, or ask you to come into the local Social Security office for a redetermination. Our staff will fill out the forms during the interview based on information you give them.
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This call is from the department of social security administration the reason you have received
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