This Attachment is Officially Phish-y!
In this week’s scam, you receive an alarming email from the Social Security Administration, or SSA. The email has an urgent subject line that warns about an issue with your account and includes an attachment that looks like an official government letter. The letter claims that your Social Security number is linked to criminal activities and has been suspended. It provides a phone number for you to call immediately to avoid being prosecuted.
However, this email is a phishing scam, and the attached letter is a fake! If you call the number, a cybercriminal will answer and pretend to work for the SSA. They may even use the name of a real government employee to make their scam even more convincing. They will ask you for your personal information and money to “fix” the problem with your account. But there isn’t actually a problem with your account, and the scammer will steal any money or personal data that you give to them!
This social security scam occurs in Canada too. Instead of posing as an agent from the SSA, scammers may reach out posing as members of Service Canada, or Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this phishing scam:
Scammers often use official-looking attachments and a sense of urgency to make you act quickly. Real government organizations won’t pressure you to act immediately. Always stop and think before taking action!
Never trust a phone number listed in a suspicious email or attachment. If you’re concerned about your Social Security account, visit the official government website.
Never provide personal information or money to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Remember, the SSA will never ask you for money through a phone call, text, or email.
