Officials Warn Of Social Security Scam Around Philly Area

Another day, another scam.

This time, officials in the Philadelphia region are warning of a scam that involves people posing as Social Security employees. According to a bulletin from the Social Security Administration in the Philadelphia Region, authorities have recently become aware of the scam.

"Recently, we have heard of a number of scams where individuals posing as Social Security employees call and ask for personal information like your name, Social Security number and bank account information," the bulletin said.

The caller alleges the information is needed so the administration can issue additional funds or rebates. Other excuses include that a computer glitch destroyed the person's information so they need to provide it again.

Officials are also warning this scam comes in email form.

Some victims have reported receiving an email designed to look like it's from the Social Security Administration. "It provided information about the annual cost-of-living-adjustment and directed readers to a website designed to look like Social Security’s site so people could 'update their information'," the bulletin said. (Read the full bulletin here.)

Now, authorities with the Social Security Administration are spreading the word: Social Security will not send you an email asking you to give us your personal information, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, or other private information.

If anyone calls or emails you from Social Security requesting information, do not respond.

Instead, contact your local Social Security office or 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to see find out if information is needed.

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