Medford Sees Increase In Phone Scams: Police

MEDFORD, MA — Police have been receiving more reports of telephone scams in recent days, the Medford Police Department said. Residents are being told their Social Security number was suspended because of suspicious activity or involvement in a crime, according to police.

The caller will then ask to confirm the Social Security number, tell you that your bank account is about to be seized and that you will have to put your money on gift cards or give your credit card information to keep it safe.

"Remember, the Social Security Administration does not operate like this. Never give any information out to anyone on the phone," the department said in a statement. "This applies to the IRS scam as well, along with the Microsoft computer scam where the caller will state that your computer is not protected and will seek money to restore the service."

Residents are warned not to give out information over the phone or send money to anyone based on a phone call. Anyone with questions about phone scams should call Medford police at 781-395-1212.