By: Richard L. Smith
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office is alerting residents to a growing scam targeting individuals who receive Social Security benefits, as reports continue to surface both locally and across the nation.
According to authorities, scammers are contacting victims through unsolicited text messages, emails, and phone calls claiming there has been an update to their Social Security benefits or that an important statement is available for review.
These fraudulent messages often contain links to websites that closely resemble official government pages but may include subtle misspellings or slight variations in web addresses.
Investigators warn that scammers frequently possess personal information about their targets, such as dates of birth, making the communications appear legitimate.
Victims who click on the fraudulent links may be directed to websites designed to collect sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, banking details, and account login credentials.
Once obtained, that information can be used to steal funds, open fraudulent accounts, or commit identity theft.
How to Protect Yourself
Officials recommend the following precautions:
- Only open emails and attachments from trusted and expected sources.
- Do not click links contained in unsolicited emails, text messages, or messages claiming to be from Social Security.
- Visit the official Social Security Administration website directly rather than using links provided in messages.
- Never provide personal information, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, or banking information through links sent by email or text.
- Do not share account usernames or passwords with unverified sources.
- Enable two-factor authentication whenever available.
- Report suspicious emails as spam or junk and delete them immediately.
Residents who believe they have been victimized are encouraged to contact their local police department.
Suspected scams can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Authorities remind the public that government agencies generally do not request sensitive personal or financial information through unsolicited emails, text messages, or phone calls, and residents should remain vigilant when receiving unexpected communications regarding benefits or financial accounts.