Natick Police Warn About Social Security Scam

NATICK, MA — Natick police are warning residents about a Social Security scam that has continued to affect residents. The scam first surfaced in towns across the country and gained traction in 2017. Natick police said people in town are still complaining about the scam.

The scam calls residents and claims their Social Security number has been suspended because of suspicious activity, or because it’s been involved in a crime. The scammer may ask for confirmation of the Social Security number in order to "reactivate it." The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said this is all false, and residents should not have to verify their Social Security number to anyone out of the blue.

The real Social Security Administration number is 1-800-772-1213, but scammers are putting that number in the caller ID. If you’re worried about what the caller says, the FTC advises you to hang up and call 1-800-772-1213 to speak to the real SSA. Even if the wait time is long, confirm with the real SSA before responding to one of these calls.

Another scam that targets callers claims your bank accounts are being seized and offer instructions, like transferring money to gift cards and offering the scammer the codes, to keep the money safe.

The FTC warns to never give any part of your Social Security number to anyone who contacts you, or your bank account or credit card number.