**Consumer Alert** CFO Jimmy Patronis: Beware of Social Security Robocall Scams
9/23/2019
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – After a recent scam alert from the Federal Trade Commission, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is warning Florida’s seniors to beware of a new robocall scam threatening their Social Security benefits.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “So many seniors call Florida home, but unfortunately scam artists are working overtime to target the nest egg they worked all of their lives to build. Imposter scams are the top category for fraud in Florida accounting for more than 18,000 reports through the second quarter this year with reported losses of over $32 million. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and report it immediately at FraudFreeFlorida.com. It's vital that Florida’s seniors stay informed of the latest fraud and scam tactics and know how to report these deceptive practices.”
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “So many seniors call Florida home, but unfortunately scam artists are working overtime to target the nest egg they worked all of their lives to build. Imposter scams are the top category for fraud in Florida accounting for more than 18,000 reports through the second quarter this year with reported losses of over $32 million. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and report it immediately at FraudFreeFlorida.com. It's vital that Florida’s seniors stay informed of the latest fraud and scam tactics and know how to report these deceptive practices.”
3 Tips to Avoid Social Security Scams
1. The SSA will never call to threaten your benefits. Always verify the information you’re getting is legitimate by calling the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 to find out if they are really trying to reach you and why.
2. Do not trust caller ID. Scam calls may show up on caller ID as the Social Security Administration and look like the agency’s real number. Hang up and call the SSA directly if you are unsure of the caller.
3. Never give the caller your Social Security number or other personal information. The SSA will never ask you for your personal or financial information over the phone. If you've already provided this information, visit IdentityTheft.gov/SSA to find out what steps you can take to protect your credit and your identity.
1. The SSA will never call to threaten your benefits. Always verify the information you’re getting is legitimate by calling the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 to find out if they are really trying to reach you and why.
2. Do not trust caller ID. Scam calls may show up on caller ID as the Social Security Administration and look like the agency’s real number. Hang up and call the SSA directly if you are unsure of the caller.
3. Never give the caller your Social Security number or other personal information. The SSA will never ask you for your personal or financial information over the phone. If you've already provided this information, visit IdentityTheft.gov/SSA to find out what steps you can take to protect your credit and your identity.