Consumer Scam Alert: Fake Social Security Administration Callers Targeting Individuals

Martinez, Calif. – Today, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is issuing a consumer protection scam alert to notify residents of fraudulent phone calls from callers pretending to be from the Social Security Administration. These scammers are claiming you need to pay a fee to unlock your Social Security number as a result of criminal activity. The callers are specifically asking for the individual to confirm their Social Security number.

Recently, the Federal Trade Commission confirmed an increase activity of these scammers.  These telephone scams are attempting to collect personal information from unsuspecting residents.

Please remember the following:

• The Social Security Administration will never call and ask for your Social Security number.
• You will never be asked to pay anything over the phone by an authorized member of the Social Security Administration.
• Do not give out your Social Security number or the last four digits to anyone contacting you.
• If anyone asks you to pay them with a gift card, cash or a wire transfer, this is evidence of a scam.

When residents give out their personal information, the scammers will use this information to commit identity theft.

To report this fraudulent activity please contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. To file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission please visit their website.