The Asheville Police Department urges anyone who receives a call requesting personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account information, to hang up.
The Social Security Administration says it has been receiving inquiries from people who fell victim to such scams.
One of the recent scams involves a call with a number that shows up as being from the Social Security office. The caller may use a variety of false scenarios or threats in an attempt to gain personal information such as bank account and Social Security numbers or to request payment to clear up an issue through the purchase of prepaid debit or gift cards.
Scammers are using technology to make it appear as if the call is coming from a government office, but the Social Security Administration and other government agencies do not contact the general public requesting personal information by phone.
- Do not provide sensitive information over the phone.
- Never wire money or add money to a prepaid debit card to pay any official government service.
- Should you receive such a call, hang up and report the call to the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 800-269-0271.
The disabled and elderly are especially vulnerable to exploitation scams. Check on loved ones and be vigilant in all financial transactions. For resources available for the elderly and disabled through Buncombe County and the Family Justice Center, visit
buncombecounty.org.