Fairfield Police Warn Of Social Security Scams

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield police are providing residents with information on how to avoid falling victim to common Social Security scams.

The Social Security Administration will never threaten, scare or pressure people to take immediate action, police said. Often, scammers will pretend to be government employees, such as Social Security workers, and threaten people and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or other legal action.

The Social Security Administration may email or text residents about programs and services, but will never ask for a return call, according to police. Social Security only sends emails or text messages to people who have opted to receive them.

“While the Fairfield Police Department hasn’t received any recent reports of Social Security scams in the community, we would like to ensure that residents are equipped with the knowledge needed to prevent themselves from falling victim to this type of scam,” Chief Robert Kalamaras said in a department news release.

Fairfield police are sharing the following tips, courtesy of the Social Security Administration, to help residents recognize a scam call:

• The Social Security Administration will never call, text or email you to threaten to suspend your Social Security number, even if the agency has part or all of your Social Security number.
• It will never demand immediate payment from you or pressure you for personal information.
• Residents will never be required to give payment in the form of cash, gift cards, prepaid debit cards or wire transfer.
• The Social Security Administration will also never warn you of arrest or legal action, or threaten to seize your bank account.
• Residents will never be pressured for personal information and information regarding bank accounts.
• Residents should be mindful of those trying to gain trust by providing fake “documentation,” false “evidence,” or the name of a real government official.

Kalamaras is also sharing the following steps for residents to take if they believe they are dealing with a potential scammer:

• Try to stay calm. Do not provide anyone with money or personal information when pressured, threatened or scared.
• If you receive a suspicious call, text or email, hang up or do not respond. Government employees will not threaten you, demand immediate payment, or try to gain your trust by sending you pictures or documents.
• Report Social Security-related scams. If you receive a suspicious call, text or email that mentions Social Security, ignore it and report it to the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. Do not be embarrassed if you shared personal information or suffered a financial loss.