Senior Center warns about Social Security scams
Published 11:44 am Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Rufty-Holmes Senior Center would like to warn Rowan County residents again about a particularly bad scam that is going around the county in reference to Social Security.
The Senior Center has been hearing variations of this scam for several months, but here is the latest version. A caller, usually female, calls your home to say that there are two fraud charges against your name and Social Security number.
The caller threatens legal action against you, and directs you to call a certain phone number to confirm your personal information. You are told to respond immediately, or warrants will be issued and you will be served a summons at home or at your place of work. The caller has left a variety of phone numbers with area codes all over the United States.
Social Security does not make initial contact with clients by phone, email or social media. The agency does not make threatening or intimidating calls. They will not demand payment over the phone. They will not ask for confirmation of your Social Security number – after all, they already have it.
This is an ongoing scam. Don’t respond to these fake threats and scare tactics. Don’t give out any of your personal information. And don’t make any payments of any kind. Report the details of these scams to the proper agency.
The local Social Security office, at 1840 Jake Alexander Blvd., has a full staff to assist you and to answer questions. The office can be reached at 877-405-3157. The NC Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division can be reached at 877-566-7226.