ALERT: Boulder DA Issues Social Security Scam Warning

BOULDER, CO -- The Boulder District Attorney has issued a warning to the community after receiving numerous reports from residents about callers pretending to be from the Social Security Administration. The imposters attempt to get residents’ Social Security numbers and trick them into sending money. According to an alert issued by the district attorney's office, the community protection division wishes to advises residents that these calls are scams, and that the SSA will never call to ask for your Social Security number, ask you to pay immediately, or threaten your benefits.

In one version of the scam, victims report receiving a call or message from a female claiming to be from the Social Security Administration, who tells them that their “Social” is about to be suspended or deactivated because it has been linked to a crime. The caller then asks for a fee to reactivate the number. In other versions, a recorded message notifies victims that their number has been used to apply for credit cards, and that victims’ benefits or bank accounts will be “frozen” or “seized” unless they call back immediately. When the individual calls back the number given in these messages, an unknown person pressures them into providing their Social Security numbers and money, either via wire transfer or gift card payment, to resolve the fabricated issue.

The consumer protection division notes that one particularly concerning feature of these calls is that the victim’s caller ID might show the Social Security Administration’s real phone number (1-800-772-1213), even though it is not truly the SSA calling, due to a computer manipulation by the scammer.

The calls are also being attempted in the same timeframe as new Medicare cards are being mailed to county residents. To help protect against identity theft, Medicare is removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards, which will now be issued with a unique Medicare Number. Medicare is automatically mailing the new cards between now and April 2019, to recipients' addresses on file with the SSA, and no one from either organization will be calling recipients in connection to the mailing of the new cards.

The Community Protection Division suggests these tips for avoiding Social Security and Medicare card scams, and other imposter calls:

• Hang up. Real SSA employees will never threaten you to get personal information, or ask you to pay immediately to resolve a problem, or to receive a card or benefits.
• Never give your Social Security number, bank or credit card account numbers, or personal or financial information to anyone who calls or emails asking for it.
• Do not wire money, pay with a gift card, or send cash to anyone who contacts you.
• When you receive your new Medicare card in the mail, destroy your old Medicare card.

Anyone who has questions about Social Security benefits, or need to update their address can contact the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213, or by going to www.ssa.gov.

For further information, or to report these or similar scam calls, residents can call the Community Protection Division at (303) 441-3700.

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Image courtesy Boulder District Attorney's Office