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| Social Security SCAM Alert! |
February 10, 2004 |
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Stephanie Gamiz is a freshman at TVI and is serving an internship in Congresswoman Heather Wilson’s Albuquerque office for the spring semester. Stephanie hopes to earn her degree in neuroscience specific to forensics.
Social Security, a program meant to provide for the general welfare of America`s seniors, is now being used as a tool in a scam targeting seniors in New Mexico and in Oklahoma.
Here`s some information you need to know if you get a call from somebody promising easy Social Security money.
According to the Social Security Administration, senior citizens in at least two states, including New Mexico, have been targeted by fraudulent telephone solicitors with the promise of a special grant from the federal government in the amount of $400.
The caller asks for your personal information including name, address, telephone number, date of birth, Social Security number, and bank account or credit card information. There`s a promise to deposit money into your account, but that money never comes.
The caller even gives the victim a toll free number to call if they have questions. Naturally, when the toll free number is called, the caller learns that the number is not in service.
Scams over the telephone, on the internet, and through the mail are becoming more common.
PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION
Congresswoman Heather Wilson’s office wants you to stay protected from this serious scam. It is very important to protect your personal information. If someone has your personal information, they can steal your identity and your money. If someone asks for your personal information, find out why they need it.
If someone calls about Social Security business and you are suspicious, call the toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the person is a legitimate Social Security employee. Social Security representatives are available to answer your questions between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
You can also call Rep. Heather Wilson`s office at 505-346-6781. Heather`s office is here to help and to answer your questions. |
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