Hadwick issues scam warning

Scammers are constantly looking for new ways to steal personal information and money, especially from seniors, according to a statement from Assemblymember Heather Hadwick.

Yesterday, the Social Security Administration led National “Slam the Scam” Day to raise awareness about Social Security–related fraud.

Common warning signs include
• Asking for driver’s license details, social security number, home address, bank account information or any other confidential details.
• Unexpected calls claiming there’s a problem with your benefits.
• Pressure to act immediately.
• Requests for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, gold or wire transfers.
• Remember: Government agencies will not demand unusual forms of payment or threaten you over the phone.

To protect yourself
• Do not share personal information, financial details or identification numbers over the phone with someone you did not contact first.
• Ask who they are and what organization they represent.
• If something feels suspicious, hang up and contact the organization directly using a verified phone number to confirm whether the call was legitimate.
• If you suspect fraud, report Social Security-related scams to the SSA Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report, or report other scams to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Protect yourself. Protect your loved ones. Help spread the word to keep our community safe.

If you need assistance or have questions, do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here to help.

Readers can call Hadwick’s State Capitol Office at (916) 319-2001, her Redding District Office at (530) 223-6300 or her Jackson District Office at (530) 265-0601.