A recent warning by the Inspector General’s Office informs Americans on Social Security benefits about the risk of hybrid scams in the United States. Apparently, they are on the rise so you may be affected by it.
Scammers need to enhance their unlawful techniques. Since they become more complex, they may be easier to fall into their traps and tricks. As a matter of fact, they seem to be compounding techniques by using fake Paypal and Amazon tech support text messages and emails.
Imposter Social Security employees
The goal of these messages and emails is to make you believe your Social Security record or card is compromised by contacting an imposter Social Security agent. So, if you receive any text message or link by email telling you about an issue related to your PayPal or Amazon account, do not open it.
It is always safer to visit the website and not click on suspicious links. Once they make you believe that your Amazon or Paypal account is compromised, they will also let you know that they have found other problems related to your Social Security Number.
After that, they offer to help you by transferring you to an imposter SSA assistant. Not only do scammers try to get your Amazon or PayPal details, but they also target your Social Security account.
Social Security hybrid scam features
So far, there are 3 main features that can help you spot hybrid scams in the United States. They do not try to act fast, instead, they gain confidence over time. It often starts as a different scam that is not related to Social Security. They, scammers allow you to contact a fake SSA agent.
Secondly, scammers may have gathered very accurate information about you. Many of these victims are retirement recipients. So many seniors may not be used to these evil but efficient strategies.
Last but not least, the scam may end up with an in-person meeting. In this case, this meeting will be with an individual who may be part of the scheme or not. Sometimes it is an unsuspecting participant. During this meeting, the target turns over cash, gold, or crypto wallet for safe keeping at the direction of a fake SSA OIG federal agent claims Social Security.
