Cyber scammers are becoming increasingly creative in their use of Social Security to separate Americans from their money.
Exhibit A is a rising phishing scam that targets personal data stored online and transmits emails and texts that claim links their Social Security number to serious criminal activity like drug trafficking or financial fraud, or lesser crimes like traffic ticket avoidance.
Typically, Social Security fraudsters claim to be from a government law enforcement agency. The bogus email sender then directs the recipient to click on a link in the email for more information. Once clicked by an end user, data-retrieving malware is installed on the user’s computer or phone, which fraudsters can use to steal personal data, such as bank account information, credit card data, and Social Security numbers.
“They are highly effective because of two things—urgency and impersonation,” said Kurt Knutsson, founder of the CyberGuy newsletter, in comments to Fox News. “You'll often see phishing emails or messages asking you to take immediate action. They create urgency to make you panic and click the link.”
A typical email or text from Social Securities may look like the following, Knuttson said.
"We are conducting an ongoing inquiry into your Social Security Number and identity due to suspected links to drug trafficking. A series of international wire transfers to accounts on the Federal Trade Commission's restricted list has been flagged. There have been reports of suspicious activities associated with your Social Security Number in Texas and New Mexico. We would like to inform you that this document contains sensitive information and should be managed carefully. The document presented here is an official communication from the Social Security Administration, authorized by the Texas Attorney General. The Texas Court has directed the suspension of your Social Security Number due to its association with money laundering activities involving your bank accounts."Given the stern nature of the letter, recipients often let their guard down and wind up providing valuable data to scammers, who use this information to steal assets and take out loans in the victim’s name.
“The message looks official that appeared to come from the Attorney General of Texas although the purported letter from Texas Attorney General was on the letterhead and carried the logo of the Department of Justice,” Steven J.J. Weisman, an attorney and professor at Bentley University where he teaches a course on white collar crime, told NTD via email. “The letter provides a telephone number that it says is that of the Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration to call to resolve the matter.”
To protect yourself against scams, leverage these anti-fraud tips.
The SSA Doesn’t Send Personalized Fraud Messages
Know the Social Security Administration does not reach out to Americans on personal fraud issues.“The Social Security Administration doesn’t police the use of Social Security numbers and suspend them in cases of fraud,” Weisman said. “Plus, the Social Security Administration does not initiate communications with people through email and wouldn't even have your email in their records.”
Never click on a link, download an attachment, provide personal information, or especially make a payment in response to an email, text message, or phone call unless you have absolutely confirmed that the communication is legitimate.
“The real Social Security Administration will never ask for your personal information, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, or banking information,” Weisman added. “If you do get a communication asking for personal information and you think it may be legitimate, just contact your local Social Security office or call them at 1-800-772-1213.”
Take These Steps If You’ve Been Victimized
Victims should immediately report the scam to the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General at https://oig.ssa.gov, place a fraud alert with credit bureaus, and monitor their accounts for suspicious activity.“The sooner action is taken, the better the chance of limiting damage,” Alan Saquella, a security and intelligence studies professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, told NTD via email. “Enabling multi-factor authentication on SSA.gov accounts also helps.”
The views and opinions expressed are those of the interviewees. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. NTD does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. NTD holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided