What is the primary risk of answering a spoofed local number claiming to be Social Security?

✓ Accepted answer

The primary risk of answering a spoofed local number claiming to be the Social Security Administration is that you confirm your line is active, flagging you as a high-value target on scammers' lists and inviting further harassment.

Here are four practical steps to protect yourself and seniors in your care:

• Implement a Strict Voicemail Policy: Train older adults to let all unknown or suspicious calls go to voicemail. If it is legitimate, a real agency like the Social Security Administration will always leave a detailed message with a callback number. Answering suspicious calls just to say "stop" is the worst move, as it signals your number is live.
• Use Number Blocking Tools: Enable carrier-native features such as Scam Block or Block Unknown Callers on smartphones. For landlines, consider subscribing to call-filtering services offered by local phone providers to intercept robocalls before they ring.
• Verify Independently: If a call claims urgent action is needed regarding benefits, hang up immediately. Do not press any buttons or call the number provided on the call. Instead, look up the official contact information for the Social Security Administration or NHS (in the UK) via a trusted website and call back to verify.
• Report the Call: Report scam calls to the Federal Trade Commission in the US or the Action Fraud service in the UK. This data helps authorities identify and shut down spoofing operations more effectively.

admin · 2026-10-10 09:31:30