New scam targets Social Security benefits

Collect Social Security? A new scam is targeting YOU.

How it works:

•  A scammer calls from a 323 area code, posing as a Social Security Administration (SSA) employee.
•  In some instances, the scammer tells the victim he or she is due a cost-of-living adjustment increase in their Social Security benefit.
• The caller then tries to get the victim to “verify” their Social Security number, name, date of birth, parents’ name and other personal information.
•  If the scammer succeeds, they use the information to make changes to the victim’s direct deposit, address, and telephone information.

What You Should Know:

• The SSA does call occasionally call people for customer service purposes.
• Only in very limited situations, usually known by the person being called, will the SSA ask to  confirm personal information.

What You Should Do:

•  Never provide information such as your Social Security number or bank account numbers to  unknown people over the phone or internet unless you are certain who is receiving it.
•  If you have questions about any SSA communication – a call, letter, email or text – contact  your local Social Security office or 1-800-772-1213.
•  Report suspicious calls to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online