How to Identify a Imposter Scam

Scammers often impersonate Social Security or other government officials, claiming there’s an issue with your Social Security number (SSN) or benefits. They may even falsely state that your SSN is linked to a crime to scare you into taking action.

These scams frequently involve:

• Threats of arrest or legal action if you don’t comply.
• Promises of benefit increases in exchange for money.
• Requests for unusual payment methods such as gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid debit cards.

What to Do if You Suspect a Scam

If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email, take the following steps:

• ✅ Hang up immediately or ignore the message.
• ✅ Never share personal information such as your SSN or banking details.
• ✅ Report the scam to the Office of the Inspector General.

Remember, government agencies will never:

• 🚫 Threaten you with arrest or legal action for unpaid fees.
• 🚫 Ask for payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• 🚫 Offer benefits in exchange for money.

Stay Vigilant – Slam the Scam!

Scammers rely on fear and confusion to trick people into giving up sensitive information. By staying informed and spreading the word, we can help protect our community. If you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam, report it immediately—there’s no shame in falling for a scam, but reporting it can prevent others from becoming victims.

At Cabrillo Credit Union, we’re committed to helping you stay safe from fraud. Together, we can Slam the Scam!