• A scammer calls from a 323 area code, posing as a Social Security Administration (SSA) employee.
• In some instances, the scammer tells the victim he or she is due a cost-of-living adjustment increase in their Social Security benefit.
• The caller then tries to get the victim to verify their Social Security number, name, date of birth, parent’s name and other personal information.
• If the scammer succeeds, they use the information to make changes to the victim’s direct deposit, address, and telephone information.

• The SSA does  occasionally call people for customer service purposes.
• Only in very limited situations, usually known by the person being called, will the SSA ask to confirm personal information.

• Never provide information such as your Social Security number or bank account numbers to unknown people over the phone or internet unless you are certain who is receiving it.
• If you have questions about any SSA communication ; a call, letter, email or text , contact your local Social Security office or 1-800-772-1213.
• Report suspicious calls to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online at https://oig.ssa.gov/report.

Reprinted from AARP Fraud Watch.