SOCIAL SECURITY SCAM AWARENESS
National “Slam the Scam” Day is designated to raise awareness of government imposter scams, which continue to spread across the United States. These scammers pretend to be government employees and claim your identity has been stolen or that there is another problem with your SSN, account, or benefits. These criminals continue to evolve and find new ways to steal your money and personal information. On National Slam the Scam Day and throughout the year, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department gives you the tools to recognize Social Security related scams in order to stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information.
Tips on how to avoid falling victim to scam callers:
· If you receive what seems to be a suspicious call, text, or email, verify the identity of the contact through an independent source such as an agency online website, online search engine or phone book directory. Do not use the contact info provided by the caller on the message the scammers sent.
· Do not feel pressured by the threatening caller until you have verified their identity and story. You can ask the caller for their name, employee identification number, callback number, and a reference number for the matter they are calling about. This information can be used to contact the organization directly to determine the validity of the request.
· It’s OK to Hang UP especially if you suspect the call to be a scam.
· Never send money or give bank account details, or other personal information to anyone you don’t know or trust.
· Don’t be so quick to give personal information. Always verify who you are speaking with if the call doesn’t seem legitimate, ask them to mail you the information.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department urges the public to remain safe and reach out to their local law enforcement agencies. Stations | Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (lasd.org)
Or directly contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-229-6297 or visit https://www.ssa.gov/scam/resources.html if you feel you have been a victim of these crimes.
