SSA Issues Warning About Phishing Scam

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has issued a warning, advising the public that it has received several reports of an email message being circulated with the subject “Cost-of-Living for 2007 update” purporting to be from the SSA. The message provides information about the 3.3 percent benefit increase for 2007 and contains a message advising the recipient to update his or her personal information.  The email warns that if they fail to update the information, the SSA would be forced to suspend their account indefinitely.  The email recipient is then directed to a website designed to look like Social Security’s Internet website.

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

Once directed to the phony website, the individual is asked to register for a password and to confirm their identity by providing personal information such as the individual’s Social Security number, bank account information and credit card information.

Inspector General Patrick O’Carroll, Jr. recommends people always take precautions when giving out personal information.  “You should never provide your Social Security number or other personal information over the Internet or by telephone unless you are extremely confident of the source to whom you are providing the information,” O’Carroll said.

To report receipt of this email message or other suspicious activity to Social Security’s Office of Inspector General, please call the OIG Hotline at (800) 269-0271.  A Public Fraud Reporting form is also available online at OIG’s website www.socialsecurity.gov/oig. 

~ TCUL LoneStar Leaguer