Major scam alert: imposters seek personal data or payments

The Social Security Administration is warning the public about a surge in scammers posing as government agents and asking for personal information, such as your phone number, Social Security number, and other details.

Don’t fall for it, authorities warn.  Never give your personal information to strangers, even if they pretend to work for the government.

The SSA never demands immediate payment, threatens arrest, or accepts gifts of any kind. Impostors create a false sense of urgency and pressure others to act at once. Delete all such emails and text messages, authorities say.