You might want to warn your friends and relatives about Social Security scams like this.

[pnwmom]

I got an email today from a site called SSN Simple. It begins:

Replace Your Social Security Card From Home

Dear (MY NAME)

Having your Social Security Card handy is important today. It is required for receiving Social Security benefits such as the upcoming stimulus check or unemployment assistance. S.S. Card is also required to be compliant with the new Real ID policy and to do many administrative requests. We can help you get a new or a replacement social security card quickly and with zero hassle. Simply answer a few simple questions and provide a photo ID.

If the somewhat odd and informal English wasn't a tip-off ("to do many administrative requests," "zero hassle" ) the lack of a .gov email address should be.


So one question from me: is it safe to "unsubscribe" emails like this, or should I just delete it?

[SheltieLover]

1. K&R!

[FM123]

2. Wow. These scammers just keep sinking lower and lower.

Instead of unsubscribing or deleting, report as spam.

[LizBeth]

3. I had a text yesterday from Fed Ex saying they tried delivering a package. I have no package coming

as far as I know. Told me to text back. I deleted. Right move, correct?

[Bluepinky]

6. Per above reply, might be better to report as spam.

[Jirel]

10. Yes, but report as spam.

Verizon, for example, just has it set up so you can forward the message to SPAM, then they send you a text back asking for the number that sent the scam text. They will block quickly if people report.

Also, block that number from contacting your phone.

[LizBeth]

14. That is excellent. I did not know that and deleted, don't know if I can do that. But, I will do that

next time. What really flips me out is when my own number texts me to tell me my phone service is being shut off. I called ATT on that one, twice.

[Jirel]

18. Check how to block numbers on your phone.

If it’s an iPhone, it’s super easy. Probably similar on Android.

From AT&T, for spam text reporting:

Report Suspicious Activity

If you receive a suspicious text message, alert AT&T by forwarding the text to 7726 (SPAM). Messages forwarded to this number are free and will not count toward your text plan. If you get a suspicious email or text, do not reply. Call 611 and ask for our Fraud Department.

[LizBeth]

19. Look at all your help for old people. Thank you. I am going to write this down. I just learned about

611 last week. So much easier.

[dixiegrrrrl]

20. 611...?

..........

[LizBeth]

21. with ATT 611 will take me to ATT.

[dixiegrrrrl]

23. ty.....

I'll pass that on to Mr. dixie for his cell.

[Cirque du So-What]

4. I would just delete

Unsubscribing lets the scammers know they’ve got a live one.

[marybourg]

5. Stilted, awkward language is no longer the tip off it

used to be. Have you read the WaPo lately?

[crickets]

13. +1

[Jirel]

8. Never unsubscribe from even a possible scam.

1) They know you’re a working address and will target you more.

2) The unsubscribe link may take you straight to malware.

Use your email browser’s filters to block anything coming from these asshats. You can block incoming URLs, specific addresses, words in subject lines, etc. on just about every browser now.

[LizBeth]

15. Thank you for this, didn't know this either. I keep yelling for them to stop, miracle weight loss

and they send more, lol.

[pnwmom]

16. Thank you!!! n/t

[Jeebo]

9. My first Social Security card was issued in 1967.

That was when I got my first part-time job at a greasy spoon while I was in high school. The last time I knew where that card was was about 1968. I haven't had one since then. I have always remembered the number, but there never has been a single time when I actually needed to be in possession of the physical card. If I got this email, I would ignore it because I don't need a card anyway. But I would suspect a scam and if I had to get a new card issued for some reason -- I can't imagine what that reason might be -- I would go directly to the Social Security office here in town. As a general rule you should NEVER give somebody any kind of personal information by responding directly to an email or online or telephone prompt. They're almost certainly a scam or phish.

-- Ron

[notinkansas]

22. The only reason I remember my SSN

is because college grades used to be posted outside of classrooms by SSN. Can you imagine? It was a different time for sure.

[MacKasey]

11. Social Security card does not have a photo on it

has anything changed in the last 50 years?

This looks like identify theft scam

[at140]

12. Scammers from Nigeria are becoming more creative!

NEVER provide any information to anyone about your bank accounts and social security.
If you have questions, CALL your Bank and social security office DIRECTLY YOURSELF FIRST.

[Progressive dog]

17. delete only

Never respond, it just encourages them to try again. If you forward it to your email provider, they might warn others about that scam.