Full Notification

There have been recent reports within Middlesex County and nationwide regarding scams targeting residents receiving Social Security Benefits. The scammers send unsolicited text messages, emails or phone calls advising customers that there is an update to their benefits or they have a statement available. Many times, links to websites will have subtle typos or misspellings.

SOCIAL SECURITY SCAM:

• Scammers are sending emails advising the recipient that there is an important update to their Social Security benefits.
• The sender will often have some personal identifying information (i.e., date of birth) which will be accurate and the email will contain a link opening a website.
• The website, however, is NOT associated with the Social Security Administration. It will attempt to get the recipient to enter confidential information (i.e., a social security number or bank account).
• From there, scammers use the personal information to steal victim’s funds and/or open credit cards or accounts in their name.

TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS FROM THESE SCAMS, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

• Only open email attachments that come from a trusted source and are expected.
• DO NOT click on email links or use contact information from the email. Instead, go directly to the website (www.ssa.gov) and use the contact information posted there.
• NEVER provide personal information such as date of birth or social security number via a link in an email.
• DO NOT provide account login information to an untrusted source.
• ENABLE two-step verification whenever available
• DO NOT share account activity – Do not share activity or financial account information.
• REPORT the email as junk or spam and/or delete it.

Please call your local police department, if you believe you have been victimized. You can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) https://reportfraud.ftc.gov and/or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) https://www.ic3.gov.