A New Social Security Email Scam Is Hitting Central Texas Inboxes

If you or someone you know receives a social security check...there is a new scam making the rounds in central Texas!

Suspicious Email Alert

According to 25 News, the latest scam involves fake Social Security Administration emails. 25 News said they started looking into this scam after several members of their staff got emails that claimed their Social Security earnings report contained errors. The email directed the recipients to download what it referred to as a “personal file”, saying Social Security statements would no longer be sent out via email.

Stolen Personal Information

Once scammers have your personal information, the sky is the limit for fraudulent activities. Retired Tarleton State professor and criminologist Dr. Alex Del Carmen told 25 News that personal information allows scammers to solicit a credit card on the victim’s name, obtain a PO Box, and then buy whatever they want on that credit card.

Do This to Protect Yourself

Dr. Del Carmen says you need to check the return email address immediately upon receiving an email from someone you do not know. Del Carmen told 25 News, “Look at the return address. That to me is like the biggest clue. When you look at the return address of where it's coming from and then you Google address before you reply to the email and you'll see how everyone else has reported that individual or that entity as a scam artist." Dr. Del Carmen suggests reporting all weird emails to your phone provider and/or local authorities. Legit companies do communicate via email, but they will never send out emails or texts with links to update your payment information.

Four Additional Ways to Stop Scammers

According to the Federal Trade Commission, there are four things you can do to protect your information:

Install security software on your computer

Protect your cellphone by using security software that updates automatically

Use multi-factor authentication

Back up your data