Sheriff warns of Social Security scam
Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has received several reports recently of people calling local residents representing themselves as employees of the Social Security Administration.
We would advise you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your Social Security Number or bank account information to unknown individuals over the phone or internet.
If you receive a call and are not expecting one, be extra careful. You can always get the caller’s information, hang up and – if you need more clarification – contact the official phone number of the business or agency that the caller claims to represent. Never reveal personal data to a stranger who called you.
The Social Security will never:
- Call to threaten you with arrest or legal action if you do not immediately pay a debt, fine or fee.
- Tell you that your Social Security number has been suspended, or offer to increase your benefits or resolve identity theft problems in exchange for payment.
- Require payment via retail gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, or internet currency like Bitcoin, or by mailing cash.
- Demand secrecy in handling a Social Security-related problem, or tell you to make up a story to tell your friends, family, or store/bank employees.
- Text you unsolicited to tell you about a problem with your Social Security number or benefits.
- Email you attached documents containing your personally identifiable information.
If you receive one of these calls:
- Hang up!
- Do not give them money or personal information!
- Report Social Security scams at oig.ssa.gov
- Report other imposter scams at ftc.gov/complaint
Please report any scam or fraudulent calls to following:
The Social Security Administration’s main number is 1-800-772-1213. You should also report fraudulent calls. You can report them to the inspector general by calling the hotline number or going online. You also can report it to the F.T.C. on a complaint website, identitytheft.gov/ssa, dedicated to Social Security scams.
The Orleans County Sheriff recommends using extreme caution when giving personal information over the phone. Only provide personal information to people you know are legitimate or a trusted family members.
Please contact the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office for assistance if you have any questions about fraudulent scam calls.
