Target is Social Security recipients
Just when you think phone scams could not reach a new low, the Graham County Sheriff’s Office recently fell “victim” to a new swindle.
Four staff members – including Graham County Sheriff Jerry Crisp – have recently been contacted via prerecorded calls from the “Social Security Office,” who ask those that answer to “Press 1.”
Once connected, Graham officials noted the presence of an agent who read a fictitious badge number and recited comments from a script. The “agent” then asked for a name and the last four digits of the Social Security number.
The scammers then advise that the Social Security number had been connected to illegal activity in another state, then attempted to manipulate the situation by warning that a “federal arrest warrant” would be issued if further cooperation did not occur.
Further threats were made in an attempt to secure bank account information. Eventually, a “senior agent with the FBI” is cited as the next point of contact for the affected party. Obviously, Graham County officials were privy to the scam right away. However, they are concerned that those on Social Security might not catch onto the act.
“If you get these type (of) calls, simply hang up,” reads a statement on the Graham County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. “And above all means, never give any personal information over the phone.”
Officials added that since these calls normally come from foreign countries, tracing the culprits is impossible.
If you feel you have been scammed, or receive any type of call attempting to solicit your personal financial information, call the Graham County Sheriff’s Office at 479-3352.