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An alert resident has reported that the Social Security scam is active again. She received a phone message stating that her Social Security account was frozen and that she should call back. She did not call back.
Your social security number is a skeleton key to identity theft. Once they have your social security number, it is easier for the scammer to be “become” you.
The scammers ask you to confirm your number so they can reactivate it or issue you a new one, for a fee. This is no emergency but a ploy to get money and personal data: Social Security does not block or suspend numbers, ever.
This con is sometimes executed via robocall — the recording provides a number for you to call to remedy the problem. In another version, the caller says your bank account is at risk due to the illicit activity and offers to help you keep it safe.
Warning Signs of a Robocall Scam:
- You receive an automated sales call from a company you have not given consent to contact you.
- A prerecorded message tells you to press “1” or some other key to be taken off a call list.
- The message offers you goods or services for free or at a suspiciously deep discount.
- The message says you owe back taxes or unpaid bills and face legal or financial consequences if you don’t pay immediately.
- The message says you’ve won a big lottery or sweepstakes prize and tells you to press a key or call a number to claim it.
Another Social Security Scam From the Lincoln Police Facebook page:
Visit sclhwatch.org to learn more about NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH ALERTS:
- Click the ALERTS button see the latest Alerts.
- Click the REPORT AN INCIDENT button to send information to the Alerts Team.
- Click SECURITY on the top toolbar to see FAQ, flyers and more.
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Mary Cranston Alerts Program Coordinator alerteditor@sclhwatch.org |