Social Security scam calls are a pervasive threat, especially targeting seniors. In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 228,000 complaints about government imposter scams, with Social Security being the most frequently impersonated agency. Over 14% of these complaints reported financial losses totaling more than $126 million. (ssa.gov)
What Are Social Security Scam Calls?
Scammers impersonate Social Security Administration (SSA) officials to deceive individuals into providing personal information or making payments. They may claim issues with your Social Security number, such as suspension or fraudulent activity, and demand immediate action. These calls often use high-pressure tactics to instill fear and urgency. (latimes.com)
How to Recognize a Scam Call
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Unsolicited Contact: The SSA typically does not initiate contact via phone calls.
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Threats of Arrest or Legal Action: Legitimate SSA communications do not threaten immediate arrest or legal consequences.
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Requests for Personal Information: The SSA will never ask for sensitive information like your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card numbers over the phone.
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Demands for Immediate Payment: Scammers may demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Steps to Protect Yourself
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Hang Up and Verify: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the SSA directly using the official number from their website.
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Do Not Share Personal Information: Never provide personal or financial information over the phone unless you are certain of the recipient's identity.
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Report Suspicious Calls: Report scam calls to the FTC and the SSA's Office of the Inspector General. (ssa.gov)
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Educate Others: Share information about these scams with friends and family, especially those who may be more vulnerable.
Utilizing Call-Blocking Technologies
Advanced call-blocking technologies can significantly reduce the number of scam calls you receive. Services like Robokiller use machine learning to identify and block scam calls, providing real-time protection. In 2023, Robokiller blocked over 19 billion scam calls, preventing significant financial losses for its users. (robokiller.com)
Conclusion
Social Security scam calls are a serious threat, but by staying informed and vigilant, seniors can protect themselves. Recognizing the signs of a scam, verifying communications, and utilizing call-blocking technologies are essential steps in safeguarding personal and financial information.
Highlights:
- Scammers raked in $1.3B from impersonation scams in 2023, FBI says, Published on Tuesday, March 12
- Deepfake worries hit a new high as one in four Americans say they have received a deepfake voice call in the past 12 months - experts blame 'the weaponization of AI', Published on Saturday, March 14
- Welcome to the Golden Age of Scams, Published on Wednesday, September 18
