GOOD TO KNOW: Beware of callers and caller IDs claiming to be from SSA

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection is notifying consumers about an unusually high number of complaints to the Social Security Administration from Wisconsin residents about “phishing” phone calls.

According to the SSA, Wisconsin residents have been reporting phone calls from people claiming to work for the SSA. The caller asks for private information, such as the person’s Social Security number, in order to “re-issue a Medicare card” or some other similar excuse.

“The Social Security Administration does not need to ask for your Social Security number,” explained Janet Jenkins, administrator of the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection’s Wisconsin Office of Privacy Protection. “Alarms should go off in your mind anytime someone contacts you out of the blue and asks for personal or financial information.

“Governmental agencies and legitimate businesses simply don’t do that,” Jenkins stated.

Do not trust what your caller ID says, either. It can be made to give whatever name and number the caller wants to display.

The SSA reminds consumers that except for employers and financial institutions that need your Social Security number for tax reporting purposes, you are not required to give out your Social Security number. Before giving any confidential information, first verify that the organization or business that is calling is legitimate. That can be done by looking them up in the phone book or online, and call the business to verify any requests.

If you suspect “phishing” is taking place or if you inadvertently gave out confidential information, contact the WI Office of Privacy Protection at 1-800-422-7128.

If you have any additional questions, you may call Pat Hafermann, elderly benefits specialist with the Aging and Disability Resource Center, at (920) 467-4076.

Resource: “The Specialist” March 2010