Authorities in Ithaca are warning residents about a scam involving the Social Security Administration.
According to police, IPD has learned about individuals claiming to be from the U.S. Inspector General’s Office contacting Tompkins County residents claiming they owe money to the Social Security Administration.
When citizens question the authenticity of the call- the scammers offer to have local police call the person back. That’s when another scammer enters the equation and poses as an IPD officer.
Police say the scammer even uses a real name from the IPD roster.
The scammers even successfully spoof the police departments phone number, adding to the lure.
Police say law enforcement would never call a resident and demand money for a fine or violation. Those matters would be handled by courts.
They ask residents to be cautious of scam phone calls like these, and to report anything that is suspicious to police.
For more information about these kinds of scams, which happen all across the U.S. visit www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety.
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