RBC | Local residents have reported calls from “local” numbers stating their Social Security numbers, and benefits, are at risk. These calls are scams. Here’s what to know:
Your Social Security number is not about to be suspended. You don’t have to verify your number to anyone who calls out of the blue. And your bank accounts are not about to be seized.
SSA will never call to threaten your benefits or tell you to wire money, send cash, or put money on gift cards. Anyone who tells you to do those things is a scammer. Every time.
The real SSA number is 1-800-772-1213, but scammers are putting that number in the caller ID. If you’re worried about what the caller says, hang up and call 1-800-772-1213 to speak to the real SSA. Even if the wait time is long, confirm with the real SSA before responding to one of these calls.
Never give any part of your Social Security number to anyone who contacts you. Or your bank account or credit card number.
If you get one of these calls, tell the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
Special to the Herald Times
They also threaten to have you arrested
I keep getting calls for “better rates” on my credit card and “discover” in particular. It even showed up on caller I.D. as “Discover” with a heavy east Indian accent. He said he had my card and record in front of him and needed the expiration date. Then he said according to HIS RECORDS the first four number were xxxx but for security purposes what was the last four digits. Problem is I do not have a discover card and this is a scam to get valid numbers to bill you. Sometime during the conversation they wIll get you to say “YES” and use that as authorization to bill. DO NOT EVER GIVE ANYONE WHO CALLS YOU ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION EVER! Be paranoid if they represent themselves as someone you do business with then call back on numbers you have for that business DO NOT USE THE UNSOLICITED CALLERS CALL BACK NUMBER.