Possible Social Security scam reported

The Sheriff’s Office recently received a report from a Key Largo resident regarding a possible scam involving a caller claiming to be from the Social Security Administration.

The reporting party was aware of phone scams and demanded the caller send a letter in the mail with further details. The reporting party also smartly questioned the caller regarding where the caller claimed to be located versus the caller’s area code that came up on the reporting party’s phone. Eventually, the caller became frustrated and hung up.

Residents should know that government agencies (as well as law enforcement agencies and utility companies) will always send you notification of an issue via the mail. Always be alert and aware on the phone. Ask for proof via a letter in the mail. Never give personal information over the phone.

Never make any sort of purchase or monetary transaction with/using gift cards online or via the phone. Gift cards are a giveaway you are being scammed.

Residents should never give personal, monetary or gift card information over the phone — TO ANYONE REGARDLESS OF WHO THEY CLAIM TO BE!

Anyone with information about any crimes should contact the Sheriff’s Office at 305-292-7000. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-471-8477. Tipsters can remain anonymous and if a tip leads to an arrest in the case, the caller may be eligible for a cash reward. Tips may also be submitted online at www.floridakeyscrimestoppers.com or via a text message using the smartphone app called P3 Phone. Tips can also be submitted via social media such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the @CrimeStoppers305 hashtag.

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