The Virgin Islands Police Department is advising the general public that there is a Social Security Administration scam being perpetuated by telephone or email on senior residents in the territory.
Individuals are claiming that they are law enforcement officers and they are requesting the victim’s Social Security Number and demanding they make money transfers to them.
In its news release, the VIPD Employees of the Social Security Administration will never:
– Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee;
– Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment;
– Send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email;
– Require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card.
The VIPD urged anyone who receives such a suspicious call or email about a problem with their Social Security number or account to hang up or do not respond.
“We encourage the public to report Social Security phone scams to the Social Security Administration or to the VIPD,” the police news release said.