Local Social Security Administration officials warn of scam

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Local Social Security Administration officials are putting people on alert. There's a phone and computer scam that made its way into our region and anyone can be a target.

Social Security regional spokesman Dan O'Connor says many elderly people are more trusting when the caller ID shows the real number of the Social Security Administration. Some are giving their personal information to thieves.

"We will not routinely call unless you initiate something with us," O'Connor said.

He says a common fake call claims, 'Your social security number has been mistakenly deactivated' or 'We need to hange your number.'

"We don't deactivate social security numbers from anyone. We don't change them except in rare situations where we may re-issue number for somebody and that would require a lot of documentation on your part to do that," O'Connor said. "Our best advice to people is just hang up."

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 or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

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