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The Scam Exposed

When you answer a call from 8056377243, you might hear a friendly voice on the other end saying, 'This is an urgent call from the Social Security Administration.' The caller will tell you that your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity. You might start to feel a bit worried at this point, and that's exactly what the scammer is counting on.

The scammer will then ask you to confirm your Social Security number and might even offer to help you reactivate it. They might say something like, 'We've noticed that your Social Security number has been used in a fraudulent transaction, and we need to verify your information to ensure your benefits are not affected.' This is just a trick to get you to give out your personal information.

What Happens Next

If you give the scammer your Social Security number, they might use it to open new credit cards or loans in your name. They could also use it to file a tax return in your name and claim your refund. You might not even realize what's happening until you get a call from a creditor or the IRS.

The scammers might also ask you to pay a fee to reactivate your Social Security number. They might tell you to buy a gift card or send a wire transfer to pay the fee. This is just another way for them to get your money. Remember, the Social Security Administration will never ask you to pay a fee to reactivate your Social Security number.

It's worth noting that this type of scam has been reported 16 times, and it's likely that many more people have fallen victim to it. The scammers are getting more and more sophisticated, and it's up to you to stay one step ahead.

So, what can you do to protect yourself? Start by being cautious when you get a call from a number you don't recognize. Don't give out your personal information, no matter what the caller says. If you're unsure whether a call is legitimate, hang up and call the Social Security Administration directly.

  • Don't give out your Social Security number to anyone who calls you.
  • Don't pay a fee to reactivate your Social Security number.
  • Don't buy a gift card or send a wire transfer to someone you don't know.

If you think you've fallen victim to this scam, don't panic. You can take action to protect yourself. You can start by contacting the Social Security Administration and reporting the incident. You should also keep a close eye on your credit report and bank accounts to make sure no one is using your information.

Finally, you can take one simple step to stay safe: verify the identity of the caller before giving out any information. If you're unsure whether a call is legitimate, hang up and call the Social Security Administration directly. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

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Check It Now

Think you were contacted by this? Do not send money or share codes. Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, or call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.

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If you already sent money or shared information, act fast. Follow these steps in order.

1

Call Your Bank or Card Company Immediately

Use the number on the back of your card, not any number the caller gave you. Ask them to freeze the transaction or account.

2

Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline

Free help, 7 days a week.

Call 1-833-372-8311
3

Report It to the Government

File a free report at the Federal Trade Commission so they can investigate.

Go to reportfraud.ftc.gov