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FTC Warns of Scam Social Security Calls

The Federal Trade Commission is alerting people about suspicious phone calls that claim to be from the Social Security Administration. Scammers are ramping up their efforts to steal Social Security numbers to use in filing fraudulent tax returns. It works this way: The caller alleges to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) or another government entity. The name on your caller ID may even back up that claim. The caller says your Social Security number has been used to fraudulently apply for a credit card or commit another crime. In order to fix the situation, the caller needs you to confirm your Social Security number (SSN) and other personal information. If you don’t cooperate, the caller threatens to take you to court or have your Social Security number blocked or revoked. No matter the details, the stories are designed to induce fear. Scammers hope that, under pressure, you will give your SSN and other sensitive personal information, which they can use to commit identity theft and file tax returns in your name to steal your refund. Never give personal information to unsolicited callers. The SSA will never call asking for your Social Security number, nor will it ask you to pay anything or threaten your benefits. Contact the real Social Security Administration at 800.772.1213 (TTY 800.325.0778) if you are concerned about a call you received from someone who claims to be with the SSA. To learn more about other kinds of scams, go to BBB.org/ScamTips. If you’ve been targeted by this scam, help others avoid it by reporting your experience at FTC.gov/Complaint and BBB.org/ScamTracker.