Watch this brief video from the Social Security Administration about phone scams:
Social Security takes protecting your personal information seriously. We want to warn you about telephone scammers pretending to be government employees. Do not be fooled!
Protect yourself from identity theft
Read OIG's Protecting Personal Information for 10 Tips to Protect Personal Information and several actions to take if you suspect identity theft.
If someone uses your Social Security number to obtain credit, loans, telephone accounts, or other goods and services, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC collects complaints about identity theft from those whose identities have been stolen. You may reach the FTC’s identity theft hotline toll free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or visit their website at www.ftc.gov/idtheft.
Additional Resources:
How to report fraud
You could call the Perry County Sheriff's Office, and they would be most sympathetic, but can do nothing to help you... except to give you the number for the Office of the Inspector General’s fraud hotline, 1-800-269-0271 or the web address where you can submit a report online at https://oig.ssa.gov/.
If you receive a suspicious call from someone alleging to be from Social Security, hang up, and then report details of the call to the Office of the Inspector General at https://oig.ssa.gov/.
Our investigations are most successful when you provide as much information as possible about the alleged suspect(s) and/or victim(s) involved. The more you can tell us, the better chance we have of determining whether a crime has been committed. As you fill out a fraud allegation, please include the following about the alleged suspect(s) and/or victim(s):
- Names.
- Addresses.
- Telephone numbers.
- Dates of birth.
- Social Security numbers.
It’s helpful to know facts about the alleged fraud, such as:
- Description of the fraud.
- Location where the fraud took place.
- When the fraud took place.
- How the fraud was committed.
- Why the person committed the fraud (if known).
- Who else has knowledge of the potential violation.
OIG will carefully review your allegation and take appropriate action. However, they cannot provide information regarding the actions taken on any reported allegation. Federal regulations prohibit the disclosure of information contained in law enforcement records, even to the individual making the allegation.
To learn more about reporting fraud, visit OIG’s Reporting Other Issues page. You will find information about Misuse of Social Security Numbers, Elder Abuse, Direct Express Account Fraud, and more.
