Scammers are calling residents claiming to be official representatives from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They'll use high-pressure tactics to get their victims to divulge private information like their social security numbers, bank account and credit card information. 

Here's an excerpt from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website:

• The SSA will never (ever) call and ask for your Social Security number. It won’t ask you to pay anything. And it won’t call to threaten your benefits.
• Your caller ID might show the SSA’s real phone number (1-800-772-1213), but that’s not the real SSA calling. Computers make it easy to show any number on caller ID. You can’t trust what you see there.
• Never give your Social Security number to anyone who contacts you. Don’t confirm the last 4 digits. And don’t give a bank account or credit card number – ever – to anybody who contacts you asking for it.
• Remember that anyone who tells you to wire money, pay with a gift card, or send cash is a scammer. Always. No matter who they say they are.

If you’re worried about a call from someone who claims to be from the Social Security Administration, get off the phone. Then call the real SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). If you’ve spotted a scam, then tell the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.

Find more information from the FTC.

Scammers won't always call, sometimes they'll send an unexpected text message or email with the hope that you will click on an innocent-looking link. These messages often look like they've been sent from a coworker, family member or trusted organization. Learn more about how to recognize and avoid phishing scams. 

The State of Ohio has reported a high volume of fraudulent unemployment claims during the global pandemic. If you receive notice of unemployment benefits for which you did not file, contact the Ohio Auditor of State's office. 

• Phone: 1 (833) 658-0394
• Email: fraudohio@ohioauditor.gov
• Mail:
  88 E. Broad St. PO #1140
  Columbus, Ohio 43215
• Mobile app (visit link for download instructions)

A scammer may contact you saying they are with a government agency, police department, or even a court official. They might even give you an "employee ID number" or "badge number" to make it sound believable. After establishing your trust, they will tell you have an unpaid fine, taxes, or a warrant and that if you don't pay it right then and there you could be arrested. If you ever receive a communication like this, hang up or don't send a response because it is a scam! A legitamate government agency won't call, email or text you asking for money or personal information. Learn how to spot and avoid government impersonator scams from the FTC.

If you spot or are a victim to a government impersonator scam, you can report it to:

• the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov & the Ohio Attorney General's Office