The FTC took to twitter today to remind people that your Social Security Number cannot be suspended. Apparently, scammers are calling people claiming to be from a government agency, telling them that their social security number is suspended due to a connection to fraud or criminal activity. There are probably several variations of the scam.
But don’t worry! The scammers then offer you a path to getting your Social Security Number reactivated. All you have to do is divulge your most sensitive personal information. The scammers are after social security numbers, bank account information and other personal information that can be used for identity theft.
Here are a few tips that can keep you from getting taken advantage of by even the most convincing scammers.
- If someone calls you claiming to be from the government or a business. Tell them you will call them back. Then lookup their number directly and you call them, ensuring you are talking to who you think you are.
- The government does not typically call you. In almost all circumstances, official government communications go through the United States Postal Service. If it’s super important – they’ll use certified mail or even a courier.
- Never trust an e-mail address or phone number on your caller id (or cell phone). Scammers can “spoof” phone numbers and email addresses to both hide their identity and make their scam more convincing. When in doubt – you reach out. It’s far easier to get scammed by someone contacting you, compared to when you initiate the contact through a direct phone number or email address.
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