COVID19 SCAMS...BEWARE OF UNKNOWN CALLERS

The office of inspector general is warning citizens that there are several scams that take advantage of the COVID19 virus pandemic.  

 Beware of persons calling you and claiming to be with the Social Security Administration, the US Treasure Department or the Internal Revenue Service.  These are impersonators and con artists trying to obtain your personal information and/or get you to send them money or payments.

 Here are some of the tactics these criminals may use:

 1.  They say your Social Security benefits may be suspended if you don't provide them with certain information or send them some form of payment.  This is false.  Social Security checks are being issued as usual.

 2.  They may offer you some type of COVID-19 related grants, payments or other benefits in exchange for personal financial information, credit card numbers, advanced payment of fees or sending in gift cards.  These are all scams designed to lure you into providing your personal information or to send in money or gift cards.  No legitimate government agency is making this type of call. Hang up on these callers immediately and do not provide them with any information such as you Social Security number, address, date of birth, credit card number or any other information.

 To report Social Security scams about COVID-19, visit https://oig.ssa.gov.

If you have a question about your Social Security check or benefit, call your local Social Security office directly.  Do not speak to someone who calls you because this person is probably not from Social Security.  Social Security is NOT making phone calls about your benefits.  Scammers are.

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