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SALT LAKE CITY — Bad guys posing as IRS agents have badgered Utahns for money for years. Now, they are impersonating a different government agency: the Social Security Administration.
Robert Aswin is used to getting scam calls. Usually, he just ignores them but a recent call left on voicemail stood out.
In part, it said: “We just suspended your Social Security number because we found some suspicious activity.”
“You can’t function in society without a social security number at all,” said Aswin about the call.
In three hours, Robert received three more similar automated calls, supposedly from the “Department of Social Security Administration.”
The last call struck the most urgent tone.
“That (last) one stated that this was a final attempt to get a hold of me about my Social Security number and then a federal agent would be in contact with me if I didn’t call back to find out what’s going on,” Aswin explained.
While he said he is not calling back, thousands of others have. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission says 35,000 Americans lost $10 million to the scam last year.
“That is just a horrendous number,” responded Francine Giani, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce. Her office has received several calls about this scheme including one Utahn who lost $5,000.
“What happened is they were told to buy Google Play gift cards,” Giani said. “And, that’s just a ‘no-no.’ If you’re ever asked to do anything like that, it’s a scam.”
Some impostors demand money to clear up the problem. Others want personal info.
“In many instances, what they’re asking you to do over the phone is, ‘We’ve got a problem with your Social Security number. Can you give it to me?’”
Giani said that’s the last thing you should do.
“Never, ever will they (Social Security Administration) suspend your number. That is a number that goes with you for the rest of your life,” Giani explained.
The Social Security Administration also never calls and asks for you to give them your Social Security number. Do not even confirm the final four digits.
If a caller asks you to wire money or pay with a gift card, it is always a scam reiterated Giani.
KSL called both numbers that left the voicemails with Aswin. Both were disconnected.
Giana told KSL that investigators with her office tracked scammers using this scheme to Egypt and India.
In many cases, the scammers are beyond reach overseas or are never found. And, their victim’s money is not recovered.
One of best moves you can make — is hanging up.
