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How To Foil The Latest Social Security Scam

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For scammers, it's all about the information. Once they have an account number, address or personal identification, they can steal your identity.

When it comes to the latest identity theft scam, the number in question is your Social Security number. Once they have that, the thievery begins.

The latest fraud is simple: Crooks call you up and ask you to "verify" your Social Security number. A lot of swindles operate that way, but here's their script, according to the AARP Fraud Network:

-- A scammer calls from a "323" area code, posing as a Social Security Administration (SSA) employee.

-- In some instances, the scammer tells the victim he or she is "due a cost-of-living adjustment increase in their Social Security benefit."

-- The caller then tries to get the victim to “verify” their Social Security number, name, date of birth, parents’ name and other personal information.

-- If the scammer succeeds, they use the information to make changes to the victim’s direct deposit, address, and telephone information.

Like most government operations, the Social Security Administration rarely calls to verify anything. They will simply send you a letter. And if you're due any benefits or a cost of living increase, you'll most likely receive them automatically.

Note: This is a variation of a common scam used by swindlers who pose as IRS agents. The IRS will also sends you a letter if they need to contact you.

How do you protect yourself? Unless it's a number you recognize, don't pick up the phone and never give out information. If they want something, ask them to send you a letter in the mail.

Here are some other safeguards recommended by the AARP:

1) Never provide information such as your Social Security number or bank account numbers to unknown people over the phone or internet unless you are certain who is receiving it.

2) If you have questions about any SSA communication – a call, letter, email or text – contact your local Social Security office or 1-800-772-1213.

3) Report suspicious calls to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online.

4) Want to report a scam? Either contact your state attorney general or the AARP directly.

Oh, and while we're on the subject, don't respond to "verification" emails, either. They're also scams.

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