SSA Phone Scam Making Rounds In Westchester

PLEASANTVILLE, NY — One of the newer phone scams is making its way around central Westchester County. The Mount Pleasant Police Department sent out a notice to residents in warning:

It has been brought to our attention that some residents have been receiving phone calls (including calls to cell phones) of individuals impersonating Social Security employees. As a reminder, you should always exercise great caution when receiving phone calls or emails requesting private information. In general, government agencies will not call or email you to request your personal information, or request advance fees for services in the form of wire transfers or gift cards. For more information visit the Social Security Administration’s website at https://www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/

This reporter received such a call recently in nearby Putnam County. The cell phone caller ID function listed the Social Security Administration. The robocall said my account had been suspended due to possible fraud activity and urged me to press "call back" immediately. I filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

Of course the Social Security Administration is aware of the problem, and has also been warning clients. In January, an official described the problem and offered tips on the internet:

Calls can even display the 1-800-772-1213, Social Security’s national customer service number, as the incoming number on your caller ID. In some cases, the caller states that Social Security does not have all of your personal information, such as your Social Security number (SSN), on file. Other callers claim Social Security needs additional information so the agency can increase your benefit payment, or that Social Security will terminate your benefits if they do not confirm your information. This appears to be a widespread issue, as reports have come from people across the country. These calls are not from Social Security.

Callers sometimes state that your Social Security number is at risk of being deactivated or deleted. The caller then asks you to provide a phone number to resolve the issue.

People should be aware the scheme’s details may vary; however, you should avoid engaging with the caller or calling the number provided, as the caller might attempt to acquire personal information.

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