Beware telephone Social Security number scam
by Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office
July 25, 2018
ROCK SPRINGS - A telephone Social Security number scam is being reported in Sweetwater County.
Sweetwater County Sheriff Mike Lowell said that swindlers posing as officials of the Social Security Administration are calling and leave messages if no one answers the phone.
The bogus officials say that their intended victims’ Social Security numbers have been used in illegal activity and instruct that the person call one of two numbers as soon as possible. The message goes on to relate that if the return call is not made, the person’s Social Security number will be "cancelled" and their bank account seized.
"These calls are a criminal swindle," Lowell said. "If you call back, you will be asked for, among other things, your actual Social Security number and other personal and financial information."
Officials emphasize that Social Security will not make calls like these or send you an email asking for personal information, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, or other private information. If someone claiming to be from Social Security does call or email you requesting information, do not respond to the message. Instead, contact your local Social Security office or call their toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s website at http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety features a great deal of information on scams and swindles of all sorts.
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