Question: We are getting continuous calls telling us that our Social Security numbers are going to be suspended if we don’t call back. They call and call. We try to ignore them, but I am starting to get worried and wonder about this. Social Security is our main income. Is this a scam for sure?
Answer: Yes, it is a scam, one that is surging. Kokua Line has received numerous complaints the past few days from people bedeviled by voicemails that refer to Social Security, threaten some dire consequence and demand a call back. Don’t call back. If you are reached by a live caller, hang up; don’t give out any personal information or provide a payment by any method.
Several readers said their caller ID showed the call was from 800-772-1213. That is the Social Security Administration’s national customer service phone number, but the scam calls don’t originate there. Thieves “spoof” the number to trick potential victims. The problem has gotten so bad that the Social Security Administration has added a warning to the recorded greeting at that number. It says you should receive a call from that number only if you have contacted Social Security by phone or online and requested a call back.
At any rate, the number the scammers say to call back isn’t that one, because it reaches the Social Security Administration. The thieves use an ever-changing array of return numbers. Victims who fall for the scam give up valuable confidential information — such as the last four digits of their Social Security numbers — or payment by gift card or some other method.
We’ve heard from readers who received voicemails saying that their Social Security number was linked to suspicious activity, that a warrant was being issued for their arrest or that they had to verify their SSN to a large fine. All are variations of the same impersonation scam.
As the Federal Trade Commission states on its website, “Your Social Security number is not about to be suspended. You don’t have to verify your number to anyone who calls out of the blue. And your bank accounts are not about to be seized. SSA will never call to threaten your benefits or tell you to wire money, send cash, or put money on gift cards. Anyone who tells you to do those things is a scammer. Every time.”
This scam cost nearly 35,000 victims a total of $10 million last year, according to federal authorities. Usually, victims are encouraged to report it to the FTC, but complaints weren’t registered during the partial federal government shutdown. We’ll say how to submit a complaint after normal operations resume.
Correction
We published the wrong start date for AARP’s Tax-Aide program at St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church, 720 N. King St. The program will be offered there 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 5 through April 11. Closed March 12.
Mahalo
Many thanks to the Hawaii Kai fire station firemen, who responded to my emergency call at about 8:30 p.m. Jan. 17. I phoned 911 for assistance because my husband (a senior citizen) had fallen in the house and I was unable to pick him up. What a wonderful group of firefighters who assisted my husband. They had him on his feet within a few minutes upon their arrival. All of the men were caring, proficient and cheerful. They checked my husband for any injuries to his head, because he had fallen backward, and also asked him about any bumps or bruises. We are so very grateful to all these proficient firefighters for their efficiency, kindness and kokua! They certainly deserve a lot of kudos for all their hard work. — Grateful senior citizen
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
