Scammers are using Social Security Administration (SSA) phone numbers to try to steal personal information, regulators warn. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cautions that these calls may display SSA’s customer service number, 800-772-1213, on caller ID, even though the calls can originate from anywhere. This tactic, known as “spoofing,” tricks people into thinking the call is legitimate.
Fake Calls to Gather Personal Information
When scammers impersonate SSA representatives, they often claim your file is missing essential information, such as your Social Security number or insist they need additional details to increase your benefits. Some may even threaten to stop your benefits if you don’t cooperate. The objective is always the same: to manipulate you into sharing sensitive information.
SSA Officials Urge Caution
Gale Stallworth Stone, SSA’s acting inspector general, emphasized the importance of staying vigilant against these scams. According to Stone, the spoofing scheme preys on the trustworthiness of SSA’s reputation, making it easy for scammers to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Stone advised everyone to be watchful, informing friends and family about these threats to help prevent fraud.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call
If you receive a call claiming to be from SSA, the FTC advises hanging up and calling SSA directly. Use the official number, 800-772-1213, to ensure you’re reaching the real agency. By dialing the number yourself, you can confirm you’re speaking with a legitimate SSA representative.
The Growing Problem of Robocalls and Scams
This type of SSA scam is just one of many troubling robocall issues affecting people nationwide. Phone companies can proactively block calls from numbers identified as fraudulent, but they can’t block calls that appear to come from a legitimate number. The prevalence of robocalls is increasing: in just one month, 4.4 billion robocalls were reported across the U.S., indicating a massive and growing issue.
Tips to Avoid Scams and Unwanted Robocalls
While robocalls can be difficult to escape entirely, there are several strategies to help you reduce the number you receive. Here are some effective ways to combat robocalls:
Register Your Number on the Do Not Call Registry
Signing up for the Do Not Call Registry is a simple way to reduce robocalls from legitimate telemarketers. This registry doesn’t eliminate all calls, as some scammers ignore the registry, but it can help limit the number of unwanted calls.
Use Your Carrier’s Robocall Alert Service
Several major phone carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint, offer services to alert you if an incoming call may be from a scammer. In some cases, these services are free, though premium options are available for a small monthly fee. These services can help identify and even block robocalls before they reach your phone.
Install a Call-Blocking App
For additional protection, you can download a call-blocking app that intercepts robocalls before they get to you. Services like Nomorobo, Hiya, and RoboKiller offer affordable or even free options for call-blocking, depending on the app. However, always review the privacy policy of any app to ensure it doesn’t access your contact lists or personal information without permission.
Consider Blocking Anonymous Calls
Most phone companies offer the option to block anonymous calls. This setting automatically rejects calls from numbers that are intentionally hidden, helping to reduce spam. However, this can sometimes block legitimate calls from friends or family members who keep their numbers private, so use it carefully.
Reporting Fraudulent Calls to Authorities
If you receive a spoofed call from someone claiming to be an SSA representative, report it to SSA’s Office of the Inspector General at 800-269-0271 or online. You can also report scam calls to the FTC, which tracks these cases to build evidence against fraudsters and protect consumers.
Advocacy for Stronger Protections Against Robocalls
Consumer advocates are pushing for stricter rules to help prevent unwanted calls. The FTC received 4.5 million robocall complaints in 2017, and advocates are urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to enable phone companies to block more calls, especially those that appear spoofed. Maureen Mahoney, a policy analyst at Consumers Union, voiced her support for FCC regulations that would require phone companies to implement caller ID authentication to prevent spoofed calls from reaching consumers.
Protecting Yourself From Robotexts
In addition to phone calls, robocalls have extended to robotexts, another invasive method scammers use to reach unsuspecting victims. According to Consumer Reports, spam text messages are a growing issue that many consumers face daily. Although reporting these texts can help agencies build cases against spammers, it’s also wise to avoid responding to unfamiliar numbers or clicking on any links from unknown contacts.
Stay Informed and Protect Your Information
With scams evolving constantly, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest methods fraudsters use. Share this information with friends and family to help others avoid these pitfalls. By taking proactive steps, reporting suspicious calls, and using available resources, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Taking Control of Robocalls
Though robocalls are frustratingly persistent, implementing the strategies above can significantly reduce their impact. By being vigilant, utilizing call-blocking services, and reporting fraudulent calls, you can keep your personal information safe and help authorities clamp down on this pervasive issue.
This content has, in part, been generated with the aid of an artificial intelligence language model. While we strive for accuracy and quality, please note that the information provided may not be entirely error-free or up-to-date. We recommend independently verifying the content and consulting with professionals for specific advice or information. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the use or interpretation of this content.