Press Release: Mayor Bowser Urges Residents to be Vigilant Against Increasing Telephone Scams Targeting Social Security Numbers

News Release — Executive Office of the Mayor and the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 10, 2020

CONTACT:

LaToya Foster (EOM)

Rebekah Mena (HSEMA)

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser reminded District residents to protect themselves against an increase in telephone and online scams targeting individuals’ social security numbers (SSN), bank account numbers, and other personal information. The scams often attempt to scare victims into complying with demands for sensitive information. Some perpetrators even make false threats of legal action or cancellation of government benefits. In the past three months, cyber criminals have targeted 47% of Americans with SSN scams; 53% of all senior citizens were targeted; and 21% of seniors were targeted with more than three SSNs scams in the same time frame.

“Over the past several months, we have identified a coordinated social security number scam targeting DC residents and Americans across the nation,” said Mayor Bowser. “These despicable actors often use threatening and harassing tactics seeking to gain sensitive information. We urge everyone to be vigilant and remember never to reveal your social security number, bank account number, or other personal information over the phone.”

DC seniors are particularly vulnerable to scam calls. The Department of Aging and Community Living’s Adult Protective Services (APS) team works to protect vulnerable adults from physical, financial, or emotional abuse, as well as neglect and self-neglect. If you believe a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or financially exploited, please call the APS Hotline at 202-541-3950.

To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a SSN suspension scam, residents should follow the following prevention and mitigation strategies:

• Ignore anyone who claims that your SSN is suspended.
• Block any phone numbers associated with the scam by adjusting your phone’s settings, block the senders of associated fraudulent emails, and discard any associated mail solicitation.
• Never reveal sensitive personal information such as your Social Security number or bank account information when answering an unsolicited call.
• Scrutinize any US government correspondence initiated through telephone or email. US government agencies primarily contact citizens by mail sent via the US Postal Service.
• Because caller-ID can be spoofed to make it look as though a call originates from a legitimate source, it is best to hang up and then call the agency directly using an official phone number located on the agency’s website to verify legitimacy.
• Recognize that the Social Security Administration only sends texts and email correspondence when you have subscribed to receive them or as part of enhanced security settings when accessing your SSN account.
• Most importantly, remember that the U.S. government does not suspend Social Security numbers.

To report a scam, visit oig.ssa.gov. DC residents can also call the Metropolitan Police Department’s Crimes and Cyber Division at 202-727-4159.

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