Scam/News

Public Warned about Identity Theft E-mail Scam
February 21st, 2006

Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security issued a warning today about a new email scam that has surfaced recently.

The Agency has received several reports of an email message being circulated addressed to "Dear Social Security Number and Card owner" and purporting to be from the Social Security Administration. People are being told that someone else is using their Social Security number and assuming their identity.

The e-mail directs recipients to a fake Web site, where they are asked to verify their identity by entering their Social Security and bank information. Specific information about the individual's credit card number, expiration date and PIN number is then requested. "Whether you use the Social Security website or by phone, Social Security will never ask you for your credit card information or Pin number".

Any prompt for your personal information should be a red flag that the site is a hoax.

"I am outraged that someone would target an unsuspecting public in this manner, said Commissioner Barnhart. "I have asked the Inspector General to use all the resources at his command to find and prosecute whoever is perpetrating this fraud."