Special Alert: New Scam Targets Your Social Security

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Do you collect Social Security? There's a new scam 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 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 at https://oig.ssa.gov/report.

When it comes to fraud, vigilance is our number one weapon. You have the power to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams. Please share this information with your family and friends.

Spotted a scam? Tell us about it. Sign up for the AARP Fraud Watch Network.