New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas today issued a consumer advisory warning to New Mexico consumers about a widespread telephone scam involving the Social Security Administration and the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General.

Consumers are reporting that the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office is appearing on their caller ID, when they are receiving these scam calls.

These imposters may state there is a problem with your Social Security number or that your Social Security number has been suspended. They may ask you to pay a fine or fee with cash, retail gift cards, prepaid debit cards or wire transfers.

If you received a call like this, please call the AG’s office at 1-844-255-9210 or visit www.nmag.gov to file a complaint.

In addition, the Office of the Attorney General offers the following advisory to deal with these scammers:

  • DO NOT TRUST CALLER ID. Scam calls may show up on caller ID as the Social Security Administration or the Attorney General’s Office and look like the agency’s real number.
  • Don’t give the caller your Social Security number or other personal information. If you have already done so, please visit IdentityTheft.gov/SSA to find out what steps you can take to protect your credit and your identity.
  • Check with the real Social Security Administration. The SSA will not contact you out of the blue. You may contact them directly at 1-800-772-1213 to find out if SSA is really trying to reach you and why.
  • Talk about it. People recognize the IRS scam, but many are getting caught off guard by these new imposters. You can help by telling people that the SSA scam is a new version of the IRS scam.
What’s your Reaction?
+1
1
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0

The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.