The Social Security Administration (SSA) is alerting the public to an ongoing phone scam where fraudsters are misusing the agency’s national customer service number to deceive individuals. Gale Stallworth Stone, the Acting Inspector General of Social Security, has issued a warning about this caller-ID “spoofing” scheme, which aims to trick people into giving away personal information. Numerous reports indicate that these scam calls display the SSA’s legitimate 1-800 customer service number on caller IDs, leading people to believe the call is genuine. It’s crucial to understand that these are scam calls, and you should not engage with them or share any personal data.
Woman looking concerned at her phone, representing potential victims of social security scams
How the Social Security Customer Service Scam Works
Victims have reported that when they answer these calls, the incoming number displayed is 1-800-772-1213 – the actual Social Security Customer Service number. The individuals on the phone falsely identify themselves as SSA employees. Their tactics vary, but common themes include:
- Requesting Personal Information: Scammers may claim that the SSA is missing crucial personal information, such as your Social Security number (SSN), and demand you provide it immediately.
- Benefit Payment Manipulation: They might state that the SSA needs to “update” your information to increase your benefit payments, attempting to lure you with the promise of more money.
- Threatening Benefit Termination: Alternatively, they may threaten to terminate your Social Security benefits if you do not “confirm” or “verify” your personal details.
These fraudulent calls have been reported nationwide, indicating a widespread and persistent scam targeting individuals across the country.
Distinguishing Legitimate Social Security Customer Service Calls from Scams
It’s important to know that while the SSA does contact citizens by phone for legitimate customer service reasons, there are key differences to help you identify scam calls. A genuine SSA employee might, in certain situations, ask you to confirm personal information over the phone for verification purposes. However, SSA employees will NEVER:
- Threaten you for information.
- Promise a benefit approval or increase in exchange for personal information.
- Demand immediate personal information in a threatening or high-pressure manner.
If you receive a call that employs any of these tactics, it is undoubtedly a scam. The safest course of action is to simply hang up immediately.
Protect Yourself and Report Social Security Scams
Acting Inspector General Stone emphasizes the deceptive nature of this scam, stating, “This caller-ID spoofing scheme exploits SSA’s trusted reputation, and it shows that scammers will try anything to mislead and harm innocent people.” To protect yourself from these scams related to social security customer service, remember these crucial steps:
- Be Extremely Cautious: Exercise vigilance when receiving unsolicited calls, especially those claiming to be from government agencies like the SSA.
- Never Provide Personal Information: Do not give out sensitive information such as your SSN, bank account numbers, or other personal details to unknown individuals over the phone or internet unless you are absolutely certain of their identity and legitimacy.
- Report Suspicious Calls: If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from the SSA, report it to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) immediately. You can contact the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or report online at https://oig.ssa.gov/report.
By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these malicious Social Security customer service scams. Spread awareness of these scams to your family and friends to help them stay safe as well.
