Evesham police warn of phone and email scam

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Evesham Police have warned residents to beware of an IRS and Social Security phone scam after the department fielded numerous complains recently.

Police say the scammers pose as Social Security employees and ask for the target's name, social security number and bank account information. The scammers claim to need the information to issue additional funds or rebates, or to help recover lost personal data.

Authorities warn of another hoax that involves an email designed to look it came from an official Social Security address. The email contains information about cost-of-living expenses and provides a link which redirects targets to a site where they are asked to update sensitive personal information.

"Social Security will not send you an email asking you to give us your personal information," said the Social Security Administration in a message relayed on Eversham Police Department's Facebook page.

"If someone saying they are from Social Security does email you requesting information, don't respond to the message. Instead, contact your local Social Security office," the message continued.

According to the IRS, this scam has affected taxpayers all across the country. Other characteristics of the scam includes fake IRS badge numbers, scammers reciting the last four digits of a victim's social security number, and corresponding hoax emails.

The Social Security Administration urges anyone with more information about this scam to call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).