ROCKINGHAM — Social Security scammers are reportedly still trying to con Richmond County residents into giving out personal information.
The Rockingham Police Department posted to its Facebook page Monday that officers have received “several messages in regards to a scam involving the Social Security Administration.”
“There have been several telephone numbers reported over the last few weeks that are being used for an automated call,” the post continued. “Should you receive a similar call asking for personal information please do not disclose that information over the phone.”
The Richmond Observer even received a call to the office phone last week from an automated “Officer Maria,” allegedly with the Social Security Administration, claiming that “your SSN” has been suspended and urging the answerer to press 1 to resolve the situation.
No telephone number was available on the Caller ID.
While the RPD did not list any of the scam numbers, 512-377-9785 has reportedly been used by Social Security scammers in the past.
Hamlet native Richard “Ozzy” Graham decided to prank a scammer and recorded the conversation, which he later posted to YouTube.
According to Laura Brewer with the N.C. Attorney General’s Office, there have been 149 complaints of Social Security scams across the state so far this year — an increase from 109 on June 21.
It was then that Hamlet native Richard “Ozzy” Graham decided to prank a scammer and recorded the conversation, which he later posted to YouTube.
In January, the AG’s office issued a press release about the calls regarding suspension of Social Security cards. Some were even showing the Social Security Administration’s phone number on Caller ID.
The following tips were given:
- 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.
- Never give any part of your Social Security number to anyone who contacts you. Or your bank account or credit card number.
- If someone is calling trying to obtain your identity information, call the AG’s office at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-7226).
