Police Chief In Montgomery Co. Targeted By Phone Scam

LOWER POTTSGROVE, PA — A police chief in Montgomery County was targeted recently by a phone scam, illustrating the growing threat that scammers face to the public, police said.

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at around 4:30 p.m.

Lower Pottsgrove Police Chief Michael Foltz had just returned home when he listened to a message on his answering machine telling him to call the Social Security Administration immediately.

"There is a suspension notice against your social security number by the Federal Crimes & Investigation Department," the message claimed.

When Foltz called the number back, a man with a "foreign accent" answered, police said. The man requested personal information.

Listen to a recording of the scam message here.

Research proved the caller to be a known scammer, police said. The Social Security Administration will never call and make threats like that over the phone, and the "suspension" is not something that even exists.

Residents are reminded to be aware of such scams and to never call back or give any personal information to such callers.