BBB warns consumers that scammers may pose as Social Security Administration representatives to obtain personal information or money. Photo courtesy of Better Business Bureau

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - A caller claiming there is a problem with your Social Security number may sound convincing, but the Better Business Bureau warns that threats to suspend or revoke a Social Security number are signs of an impostor scam.

BBB said consumers have reported receiving calls from people claiming to represent the Social Security Administration and alleging illegal activity, including money laundering, has been connected to their Social Security numbers.

The calls are designed to frighten consumers into providing personal information that scammers can use for identity theft.

In a typical scam, the caller claims a consumer's Social Security number was used to fraudulently apply for a credit card or commit another crime. The caller then asks the consumer to confirm a Social Security number or provide other personal information to resolve the supposed problem.

If the consumer refuses, the scammer may threaten legal action or claim the person's Social Security number or benefits will be blocked or revoked.

BBB warns consumers not to provide personal information to unsolicited callers, regardless of how urgent or serious the caller makes the situation appear.

Caller ID should not be considered proof that a call is legitimate. Scammers can manipulate caller ID information to make a call appear to originate from a government agency or another trusted organization.

Consumers who receive a suspicious call should hang up rather than provide information or follow instructions from the caller. Anyone concerned about a possible issue with Social Security can independently contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

BBB also warns that government agencies will not call consumers and demand payment or threaten to revoke benefits if immediate action is not taken.

Social Security numbers and other personal information can give scammers the means to commit identity theft. BBB said stolen Social Security numbers may also be used to file fraudulent tax returns in another person's name in an attempt to obtain a tax refund.

Consumers should treat unexpected requests for Social Security numbers, financial information or other sensitive information with caution, particularly when accompanied by threats or demands for immediate action.

Information about government impostor scams and other fraud schemes is available at http://BBB.org/ScamTips.

Consumers who believe they have been targeted can report the incident through BBB Scam Tracker at http://BBB.org/ScamTracker and to the Federal Trade Commission at http://ReportFraud.ftc.gov.