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Rise in Social Security-related scam phone calls in NH

CONCORD (AP) — The New Hampshire attorney general’s office says its consumer hotline has experienced a sharp increase in calls reporting Social Security-related scams, especially those targeting the elderly.

Residents have reported getting calls from an automated message saying there has been “fraud” associated with the person’s Social Security number. The message asks the person to press “1″ or stay on the line to speak with someone who can help them.

The individual is then connected with someone who requests personal identifying information, including a name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Consumers have reported that scammers use scare tactics and threatening language in their attempt to get the information. They also leave messages when their calls go unanswered, requesting that recipients call them back.

The attorney general’s office reminds residents that the Social Security Administration will never threaten people, suspend Social Security numbers, or make unsolicited phone calls asking people for their identification.

Call recipients are encouraged to report scams to the Office of the Inspector General in the Social Security Administration and to New Hampshire’s Consumer Protection Hotline.

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