Beware scammers posing as Social Security employees
Posted by Staff reports
July 16, 2007 2:46 PM
Huntsville Times
NOTE: THIS SEEMS TO BE GOING ON ACROSS THE COUNTRY! FK
Huntsville-area residents are being warned about scammers posing as Social Security administration employees.
The Better Business Bureau of North Alabama issued a news release today saying several callers to the bureau reported receiving telephone calls or visits from people who falsely claimed to be Social Security employees.
Scenarios vary, but in each case, the imposter attempted to obtain personal information such as the Social Security or bank account numbers using the pretense that the recipient's Social Security pay was about to increase and their bank account and Social Security number were needed for verification before the larger checks would be direct deposited.
The local Better Business Bureau and the Social Security Administration warn consumers to take precautions before giving personal information. Never provide it over the telephone unless you initiate the contact and are confident the seeker has a valid reason for needing it, said Michele McDaniel, president CEO of the Better Business Bureau of North Alabama.
Consumers are urged to contact the Social Security Administration's toll-free number at 800-772-1213 if unable to verify the legitimacy of a call or visit. A TTY line is available for hearing impaired people at 800-325-0778.
The Office of Inspector General is assisting in the investigation. The Better Business Bureau Web site is www.northalabama.bbb.org. The Better Business Bureau of North Alabama issued a news release today saying several callers to the bureau reported receiving telephone calls or visits from people who falsely claimed to be Social Security employees.