Forbes explains the scams
Here are the worst Social Security phone scams, some of which are new:
“Your Social Security number has been suspended.”
The scam: A caller from the Social Security Administration says your Social Security number has been suspended, usually due to “fraudulent,” “suspicious” or “criminal” activity, and you must call back to resolve the matter.
How do you know it’s a scam? Because the government says so. The Social Security Administration doesn’t suspend, revoke, block or freeze Social Security numbers. The agency wouldn’t call you about anything other than personal matters, like benefits claims.
“Your Social Security number has been compromised.”
The scam: Scammers leverage the growing threat of data breaches and identity theft to try to convince you that your Social Security number has been compromised. An automated voice may instruct you to press 1 for more information, which will ultimately direct you to confirm your Social Security number or provide other personal details, like a bank account number.
How do you know it’s a scam? Again, the Social Security Administration does not make these types of calls and will never ask you to confirm your Social Security number over the phone.
“A federal case has been brought against your Social Security number.”
The scam: The alleged Social Security Administration caller tells you that the government has a case or lawsuit against you. You must call back or you will be arrested. In other variations of this scam, you might be told that a “legal procedure” will be initiated if you don’t return the call.
How do you know it’s a scam? The government says it would “never” threaten anyone with arrest for crimes associated with their Social Security number. In other words, calls to the contrary are fraudulent.
“You must send money to dismiss the case against you.”
The scam: This scheme turns things up a notch by asking you to send money to the Social Security Administration, often via gift card, in order to clear your name.
How do you know it’s a scam? The Social Security Administration does not ask taxpayers to wire funds or send money in the form of gift cards. If you really owe the government money, you will receive an official tax notice from the Internal Revenue Service — not the Social Security Administration.
