The Virgin Islands Police Department is advising the general public that there is a Social Security Administration scam being perpetrated on residents in the territory.
Individuals are claiming that they are law enforcement officers and Social Security Administration officials, and are requesting your Social Security number, while demanding that you make money transfers to them.
A Consortium reporter received one of the automated calls and went through a good portion of the process to learn of the scam.
The scam includes an automated call that claims your Social Security number has been linked to illegal activity. The automated voice then asks you to call the number back. Once you do, someone answers the call, asks for your first and last name, puts you on hold briefly, then this person returns claiming that your Social Security number has been linked to fraud and/or drug trafficking. Thereafter, the person reassures you that while you are not in trouble, you would need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security number.
According to the V.I.P.D., employees of the Social Security Administration will never do the following:
- Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee
- Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment
- Require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card
- Send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email.
If you receive a call or email that you believe to be suspicious about a problem with your Social Security number or account, hang up or do not respond.
"We encourage the public to report Social Security phone scams to the Social Security Administration or to the VIPD," the police department said.
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