Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson warns Dallas County residents about a nationwide Social Security scam.

The process begins when a voice appears on the other end of a call, usually an 800-number marked Unknown. The caller warns a person if they don’t hit “1” on your keypad and speak to someone right away. Then, the automated voice tells you due to “suspicious activity” on your Social Security number, “all your social benefits will be canceled until further clearance.”

The caller questions people about Social Security benefits they’ve earned since their first job. The caller says if you don’t press “1” to speak to a Social Security Administration officer, “your Social will be blocked permanently.” The caller also says legal actions are about to begin on your name and number.

Jackson urges local residents not to give out any part of their social security number.

“I talked to my employees in Prattville and the same thing has happened there,” Jackson said. “They’re trying to steal people’s money with a fake account. It sounds like a real call. This scam is going on across the country.”

The Social Security Administration (SSA) Office and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers advice to residents:

▪ Hang up immediately.

▪ Do not press any buttons.

▪ Do not call them back or engage in conversation.

▪ Don’t trust the Caller ID because the scammers are getting good at “spoofing” phone numbers that seem legit.

▪ Talk about it with friends and acquaintances to spread awareness.