Scam or NotScam No. 0162026-10-30
Is this text a scam?
SCAM
OOfficer Daniel Reyes · Federal Benefits Office
Text Message · Today 9:41
Hello. This is Officer Daniel Reyes with the Federal Benefits Office. Your benefits number has been flagged for suspicious activity and will be suspended in 24 hours. To keep your account active, reply now with your full name, date of birth, and benefits number. Case ID 48-2291. Questions? Call (202) 555-0147. Do not share this message with anyone.
Recreated from the scam tactics described on the Social Security scam page (ssa.gov/scam): a direct message on social media from someone posing as a government employee, a threat to suspend your number or account, pressure to act right away, a request for personal information, and a demand for secrecy. The officer name, office name, case ID and phone number are all made up. 'Officer Daniel Reyes' is an invented name and is not a real SSA or OIG employee.
3 red flags
- RED FLAG 1Stranger in your DMsScammers slide into your messages and ask for your details or money.
Source: “Direct message you on social media, asking for personal information or money.” link - RED FLAG 2Suspend threatScammers scare you by saying your number or account will be cut off.
Source: “Threaten to suspend your Social Security number or account.” link - RED FLAG 3Told to stay quietScammers tell you to keep it secret.
Source: “Demand secrecy.” link
Safe move
Ignore the message
Don't answer it, and don't tap any links or attachments it sends.
Source: “Hang up or ignore the message. Do not click on links or attachments.” link
Don't answer it, and don't tap any links or attachments it sends.
Source: “Hang up or ignore the message. Do not click on links or attachments.” link
Send this to the one who'd tap it.
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