Avoid This Rising Social Security Phishing Scam

Description

Cyber scammers are becoming increasingly creative in their use of Social Security to separate Americans from their money.

Exhibit A is a rising phishing scam that targets personal data stored online and transmits emails and texts that claim links their Social Security number to serious criminal activity like drug trafficking or financial fraud, or lesser crimes like traffic ticket avoidance.

 

Typically, Social Security fraudsters claim to be from a government law enforcement agency. The bogus email sender then directs the recipient to click on a link in the email for more information. Once clicked by an end user, data-retrieving malware is installed on the user’s computer or phone, which fraudsters can use to steal personal data, such as bank account information, credit card data, and Social Security numbers.