How Social Security fraud works and the way you may stop it

If you are a scammer, especially in cyberspace, that a Social Security number is priceless information that opens the door to countless other scams. That’s why criminals of all stripes attempt to get to them through text messages, phone calls, social media and mail.

Social security number fraud is available in many types. Accordingly the social security authority, “Social Security scams are among the most common government scams reported to the Federal Trade Commission. Social Security continues to make a concerted effort to address this issue through extensive outreach and investigative initiatives.”

The simplest Social Security scam involves someone pretending to be a government official and asking you in your Social Security and banking information (never give them out!). More than $100 million is stolen annually through this ruse.

“Criminals use sophisticated tactics to trick potential victims into disclosing personal and financial information,” said Marin O’Malley, commissioner of the Social Security Administration.

“Usually they use these Ps— Pretense, price or problem, pressure and payment. For example, in phone calls, text messages, emails, and direct messages on social media, scammers pretend to be from Social Security and claim there’s an issue with the person’s Social Security number. “

“Scammers can also send fake documents to pressure people into complying with their demands for information or money. Other common tactics include using “ID numbers,” using fake Social Security letterheads, and creating fraudulent social media pages to focus on individuals for payments or personal information.”

How are you able to protect yourself or someone ? Here’s what the FTC recommends:

• Don’t trust caller ID
  
  ID
  . Scam calls may appear on the Social Security Administration caller ID and appear to be the agency’s actual number, but are usually not the SSA call.
• Your social security number is not going to be blocked. And your bank accounts won’t be seized. This is a typical lure that scammers use to steal your information.
• Not to confirm Giving out your Social Security number or other personal information to anyone who calls out of the blue. If you may have already done so, visit us IdentityTheft.gov/SSA to search out out what steps you may take to guard your credit and identity.
• SSA won’t ever call to jeopardize your advantages otherwise you shall be asked to transfer money, send money or load money onto gift cards. Anyone who tells you to do these items is a fraud. Every time. If they need money upfront, that is all the time a red flag.

Even higher, Watch this beneficial video. And if someone contacts you and asks in your Social Security number, ignore them or hang up.