John McCarthy
FREDERIKSTED — The Virgin Islands Police Department is advising the general public that there is a Social Security Administration scam being perpetuated on old people in the territory.
Callers are claiming that they are law enforcement officers and they are requesting the person’s Social Security Number and demanding that you make money transfers to them.
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;
- require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card; or
- send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email.
If you receive a call or email that you believe to be suspicious, about a problem with your Social Security number or account, 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.
