Social Security Phone Scam Could Seriously Cost You

Here lately, I've been getting a lot of phone calls from people telling me my social security number has been compromised.

I typically don't answer, but I've learned that it's okay until you start pressing numbers the caller asks you to press.

Besides I need to deal with folks who don't live around here, sometimes, so I will occasionally answer.

But back to pressing numbers.

According to KRON-San Francisco, the Federal Trade Commission has dealt with more than 70,000 reports of calls from unknown parties that warn the person they call that their benefits will be suspended.

If you press 1 like they ask, someone will ask you to wire money somewhere so your benefits will be safe.

It's like ransomware, I guess.

By all means, don't press 1.

And the Social Security Administration reassures that no one from that agency will EVER call you and ask for money or you personal information like that.

But, you know, there is value, in my opinion, in listening to what these people have to say so you'll know what to expect in the future. As long as you don't act on anything they suggest or press a number, it seems like you should be fine.

Again, technology is magnificent but has also provided the worst of us with a means to take advantage of the best of us.