CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Attorney General’s Office issued a warning this week about con artists posing as Social Security Administration officials in an attempt to steal personal information.
According to the office, people call victims on the phone seeking Social Security numbers and other sensitive information. The suspects may also threaten legal action if victims do not comply.
“These impersonators thrive upon consumers who react before they think,” Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said. “That’s why it is so important for everyone to take a deep breath, hang up the phone and report the call to authorities. This will protect you from handing over information to the wrong person.”
The office’s Consumer Protection Division said dozens of consumers are reporting such activity every week. Anyone with information about calls is advised to contact the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General at 800-269-0271 or https://oig.ssa.gov/report.