Social Security Administration Announces Recent Phishing Attacks
Nov. 13, 2006 – The Social Security Administration (SSA) last week issued a warning about a recent phishing scam in which e-mail recipients are asked to update their personal information in order to receive a cost-of-living increase for Social Security payments in 2007.
The e-mails, which claim to be from the agency, announce a 3.3 percent benefit increase in cost of living for Social Security recipients. Recipients are told their Social Security benefits will be suspended for failure to update personal information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account and credit card information. They are then directed to a Web site designed to look like SSA´s site.
"I am outraged that someone would target an unsuspecting public in this manner," said Social Security Commissioner Jo Anne Barnhart.
Inspector General Patrick O´Carroll recommends caution when dealing with potentially fraudulent e-mails. "You should never provide your Social Security number or other personal information over the Internet or by telephone unless you are extremely confident of the source to whom you are providing the information," he said.
SSA invites recipients to report these e-mails or other suspicious activity by calling 800-269-0271. More information is available on the SSA´s Web Site.
