New Scam Alert: Attacking Los Angeles

New Scam Alert: Attacking Los AngelesIn the digital age, phone scams are becoming increasingly more common. Especially around tax season, we find that scammers are working full throttle to steal your money! This is because most people are more likely to believe a scammer when they tell them there is something wrong with their “documents.”

As scam artists get smarter, it is important to stay informed on the types of scams out there to see them coming from a mile away.

Common Scams to Watch Out For

Scammers usually target unsuspecting victims who are not paying attention to the details of transactions. These 3 scams are becoming increasingly more common in the United States:

  • Identity Theft: Scammers will call to represent a healthcare provider. They will claim that they are calling to confirm some personal information in order to continue your coverage. Once they have your personal information they will use it to steal your identity, open lines of credit in your name, and run up your credit.
  • Fake Lottery Winnings: In this scam, criminals will call or mail you that you have just won a large prize in a lottery, sweepstakes, or other contest. The scammer will then require that you send a small payment in order to unlock the winnings. You will get a check to deposit, but it will bounce before making it to your bank account. At which point, it will be too late to take your small payment back.  
  • Investment Schemes: While this type of scheme comes in many forms, they all share the same trait of having the victim “invest” their money into an investment opportunity that promises to safeguard or grow their money.

 

The New Social Security Scam Targeting Los Angeles

The “Social Security” scam has seen a spike in phishing scams lately. According to the FTC, this scam has been growing exponentially since 2017. The scammers are smart and will target you when you are least expecting it!

This voicemail targetted a middle-aged woman living in Los Angeles in April 2019. The message says:

“We are contacting you regarding documents that are attached to your name and Social Security number and require your signature. We are calling to inform you that someone will be out within the next 24 to 48 hours to your place of employment and your residence. Your husband or supervisor must be present as a witness of the signature, and you must have two forms of ID. If you cannot be present you will be marked as a “Direct Refusal to Comply” which could result is a missed deadline of submission. If you have any questions or concerns or need to be informed of services, please press any key to be connected with a live representative or contact us by calling 302-907-8436.”

As you can see, the wording is not perfect. But there is a sensible amount of context that you could believe this voicemail is legitimate. Nearly everyone recently submitted their tax documents; they will presume these are the “documents” they are calling about. Another plausible thought may be that it regards your bid on a home since the real estate market is usually much more active right after tax season. The scammers know that right now they have the most likelihood of catching unsuspecting Los Angeles residents. So, beware!

Advice From Marcia L. Campbell

We urge you always to be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your Social Security Number (SSN) or bank account information to unknown individuals over the phone or internet. If you receive a call and aren’t expecting one, you must be extra careful. You can always get the caller’s information, hang up, and — if you do need more clarification — contact the official phone number of the business or agency that the caller claims to represent. Never reveal personal data to a stranger who called you.

If you have also been targeted by this scam, we would like to hear from you in the comments.

22 Responses

  • I am located in Michigan and just got this same scam call to my place of employment asking for an old co worker. When you push a number to talk to someone they claim to be a law firm as soon as you ask them the name of the law firm they hang up on you.

  • I am in Connecticut and I just received this exact voicemail, made to my cell. I don’t answer unknown numbers. This is one of many such calls I frequently am subjected to, it’s unfortunate that no one is able to stop these scammers. Hope you are able to!

  • I was targeted by this scam today, thank you for posting this. I know I don’t have any outstanding debt or issues and know not to answer and to just ignore it, but it’s still a scary call to get!

  • I just got this exact call from a restricted number and they left a voicemail. Knew it was a scam so I didn’t call back. They left the number 302-907-8436 as a number to reach them at.

  • I am in Delaware and They called saying I would be served at my place of employment or at home concerning a creditor. Basically the same message as above. I always check these kinds of messages online, but I definitely knew it was a scam. They never identify themselves or the so called creditor. Also I do know that no one will announce that they are going to serve you papers.

  • Just got this message on my cell. I got one exactly like it a couple of weeks ago. I never answer calls from numbers I do not know.

  • This scam is still active 07-16-2019. They called at 1400PDT. Used a diminutive of my first name.

  • I got this call and I always run numbers through searches and came across your message. Thank you for posting. Why are they not illegal???! I’m in MICHIGAN so they are working their way east.

  • I not only got a voice mail yesterday with the same message, I got another one today, & now they are calling other relatives of mine, leaving the same message they leave me. Problem I have beyond the obvious, (processors don’t call to tell you when & where they are coming) but they do not even have my correct legal name! They reference “documents attached to my name & SS#”, which is not true, bc my SS# is in my correct legal name. (Which was changed in 2013) I’m in Phoenix, Arizona, today is Oct 8, 2019. Left phone # of 866-200-2526… called #, recording with no business information, jus some mans name, when a Laura Williams.

  • I got this call today and didn’t answer. They used my maiden name and said they would be coming tomorrow “to my address” and then would come to my place of employment. Obvious scam. I wish I had answered. I’m in Indianapolis.

    • Hi Gregg,

      It is amazing how much information these scammers are able to find on their targets. They use this tactic to make it seem so real. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!

  • I’m in California and got the call a while back and didn’t hear from them again until today. Jen Coleman left the exact same voicemail. Worried me for a second but I’m past that already now .

  • 12/27/2021 received this message, almost exact wording. I live in Michigan. This is the third voicemail in the last couple of months. Assumed it was some type of scan, so ignored and did not call number provided.

  • Just got this call today. I am in Houston, TX. I was really concerned but decided to Google the wording to check if it was a scam. This is horrible.

  • I live in Alabama and I just received this exact phone call. I knew the context seemed fishy so I did some digging to find this article. The phone number they told me to call back at is 866-523-2808

    • Same number called me today 866-523-2808; left very similar message. Name used was Savannah Holden.

      Did anyone show up at your home?

  • WOW just got this call this morning sent it to voicemail because they called on a private number. I can’t believe this scam is still going around 🙄 they tried it on me last year 2021 they had me tripping for a minute but found out it was a scam now I just laugh 🤣

  • I’m in New Mexico and I just received an anonymous call with this voicemail. Just a heads up. Number was 866-523-2808.

  • guys this scam has been going on for years now i had fallen for this scam now my life has been ruined!! 2 females one in michigan is working for years i was told at this one company and another in arkansas, i just cannot believe this crap ive been trying for years to do something ive called ss they are the ones who had told me about how long they been using my name ss# they gotten the stimulous money i truly needed i tried every which way and still gotten no help please do not even answer this number or any u do not know im living proof of true identity theft and straight loss of everything!! my name is Kristina and im from Albuquerque New Mexico

  • I just got this same message yesterday and they’re supposed to be coming to my house today so we’ll see. They left the number 866-480-2329 to call. This scam has been going on for years so they must be fooling someone.

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