I got an email warning my Social Security Number would be ‘revoked’ – but I noticed a detail exposing it as a scam
By Amanda Castro,
2024-09-07
YOUR Social Security number is a critical piece of personal information, essential for everything from filing taxes to securing loans.
So, when a local woman received an alarming email claiming her Social Security number was at risk of being revoked, she understandably felt a surge of panic.
Joyce House received a scamming email from someone claiming tobe the Social Security Administration NBC 10 Responds Joyce wanted to share her story to avoid it from happening to anyone else Getty Images - Getty
Joyce House reached out to NBC 10 Responds to share her unsettling experience and shed light on the red flags that exposed the scam .
Joyce’s ordeal began with an email that bore the Social Security Administration (SSA) seal and a threatening message, “We will suspend your Social Security number unless you contact us.”
The email claimed Joyce’s number was involved in drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
It also said that a legal complaint had been filed against her due to $14 million in fraud linked to 25 bank accounts opened under her name.
“That panic that I felt because we do live in this world where people steal your identity,” House told the outlet.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
The email included an attached letter, seemingly official, which instructed House to call a phone number to appeal the decision.
When she called, a receptionist connected her to a man who asked for her case number and whether she was in a public place.
Sensing something was off, House said she’d call back when she was in a more private setting.
Upon returning the call, she felt uneasy and decided to hang up.
A crucial detail tipped House off that the email was a scam: the sender’s email address.
It included “SSA U.S. GOV” followed by the email address “frfjamesroberts601@gmail.com,” which immediately struck her as suspicious.
BIG WARNING
Realizing she had likely been targeted by scammers, House wanted to warn others.
“I’m hoping that if they reached out to anybody else that they’ll not fall for this,” House told the outlet.
House’s decision to share her story highlights her frustration with scammers and her determination to prevent others from falling victim.
HOW TO AVOID SOCIAL SECURITY SCAMS
Steps to Prevent Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone unlawfully uses your personal information to commit fraud. If your Social Security Number (SSN) is misused, it can lead to significant issues.
To help prevent identity theft, consider the following measures:
Avoid carrying your SSN with you regularly.
Never disclose your SSN aloud in public settings.
Be cautious of phishing scams, which may come via email, internet links, or phone calls, attempting to trick you into revealing personal information.
Set up a personal “my Social Security” account to monitor your records and detect any suspicious activity.
Consider implementing these additional security measures on your account:
eServices Block: This prevents anyone, including yourself, from viewing or altering your personal information online. If you need to remove this block, you or your representative must contact your local office.
Direct Deposit Fraud Prevention Block: This block stops anyone, including you, from enrolling in direct deposit or making changes to your address or direct deposit information online or through a financial institution. To remove this block or make changes, you or your representative must contact your local office.
What To Do If You Suspect Identity Theft
If you suspect your identity has been stolen, follow these tips from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) on protecting personal information:
If someone uses your SSN to apply for credit, loans, or other services, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC handles identity theft complaints and can be reached at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or through their website at www.ftc.gov/idtheft.
“Scammers exploit fear and confusion to make money,” she said.
“Instead of tricking people, they could be using their skills for something positive.”
The email address used to contact Joyce was invalid, and the phone number provided was now disconnected.
In other Social Security news, however, learn about two common mistakes that can lose you thousands a month.
Plus, check out a trick that can earn you $26,000 more yearly.
The email was stamped with the Social Security logo and used the same font as the SSA NBC 10 Responds The email that Joyce House received accused her of several crimes NBC 10 Responds
I was told by the scammers multiple times my Medicare card was expiring and I was getting a new “gold” Medicare card that would work like a credit card. All I had to do was give them my Medicare number to complete the transaction. I reminded them Medicare never calls us and Medicare cards do not expire. I kept it up until they told me to f___k off. It was great fun. I never said the word “yes” so they could not record my voice to use with their other scams. Finally I unplugged my landline and it’s been unplugged for about 9 months now.
NotSoCommonAnymore
30d ago
“A detail”? If you need a magnifying glass for this mystery, then you are the very target audience they are looking for.
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