Don't Fall For Widespread Social Security Scam, Police Warn

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA - Police are cautioning people not to fall for a scam that is widespread nationwide - imposter Social Security Administration robocalls threatening to take away benefits.

"This is the number one scam right now," Cranberry Police posted on the department's Facebook page agrees. "The calls are annoying and can be frightening to some. The Social Security Administration will not suspend your number or call to threaten your benefits."

The scam is being reported to the Federal Trade Commission in staggering numbers. According to the FTC, nearly 73,000 reports about Social Security imposters were filed in the first six months of 2019, with reported losses of $17 million.

If you do receive a Social Security robocall, the FTC advises hanging up and wants you to know:

• Your Social Security number is not about to be suspended.
• The real Social Security Administration will never call to threaten your benefits.
• The real SSA will never tell you to wire money, send cash, or put money on a gift card.