Having a Badge Does Not Make You Official

Phone scammers are starting to get hip to the fact that WE’RE getting hip. A larger majority of people are asking the right questions and doing the right thing when receiving phone calls from unknown actors claiming to be from a Federal agency.

SO – these bad actors have taken it a step further by creating fake badges. They are often tough to distinguish from the real thing as they use official symbols and words to copy the identification badges that Federal employees use to gain access to Federal buildings.

What is even more disturbing is they use names and photos of REAL people, essentially impersonating them so that they can call you and have you confirm that they do indeed work for the agencies they claim to.

Many of them concern social security and the caller may ask you to search them on the internet to confirm they are legitimate or even offer to text or email you a photo of their badge.

Here is what you need to know:

• The SSA never texts or emails photos of their ID
• They do not use threatening language or claim they will arrest you unless you pay a fee
• They will never email you official letters – they will only send them as physical mail
• The SSA will never suspend your Social Security number

Note:

• IF you opted in to receive texts from SSA you may receive texts if there is a multi-factor authentication code sent to access your account online
• If you do indeed owe money to Social Security, they will mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights

If you are ever unsure, don’t take the chance. Hang up, call the agency or even check their site as they often publish the latest scam. If you receive a physical letter then still, you can always call the agency to confirm. It is always worth the few extra steps and time to make sure you don’t get scammed.