Scam Alert!

The Lee County Sheriff's Office is receiving several reports of Social Security scams. Telephone and email scammers are pretending to be employees of the government. The scammers may threaten you or demand immediate payment to avoid any arrests or other legal actions.

Be on the lookout for fake calls and emails. Things to look out for are the scammer may say there is a problem with your Social Security number or account and may ask you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid cards, or mail cash. The Social Security Administration will never threaten you, suspend your Social Security number or demand immediate payment from you.

To help better protect yourself from Social Security scams, below is what you should do if you receive a suspicious call:

1. Hang up

2. Do not give money or personal information

3. Report the scam at OIG.SSA.GOV