Terry Goddard Warns Consumers of Social Security Scam

(Phoenix, Ariz. – April 19, 2007) Attorney General Terry Goddard today warned consumers about a Social Security scam that is targeting Arizona.

Consumers are receiving calls from scam artists claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. When these people call, they say that they need to verify the consumer’s Social Security number, and ask the consumer to provide the first three digits of their Social Security number. Once the consumer gives the first three digits, the caller then tries to guess the next two digits, and in doing so, often prompts the consumer to provide those numbers.

This is a scam. The Social Security Administration will never call to confirm a Social Security number. If you receive such a call, do not give out any part of your Social Security number.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at 602.542.5763; in Tucson at 520.628.6504; or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at 1.800.352.8431. To file a complaint in person, the Attorney General’s Office has 28 satellite offices throughout Arizona with volunteers available to help. Locations and hours are posted on the Attorney General’s Web site at www.azag.gov.

Please visit the Attorney General’s Web site to sign up for scam alerts and weekly messages from Attorney General Goddard.