FTC issues warning about scam saying that your Social Security Number is being used to commit crimes

The Federal Trade Commission has issued a warning about scammers that are targeting potential victims by pretending to be from the Social Security Administration. The scammers tell victims that their name and Social Security Number are linked to serious crimes such as money laundering and drug trafficking. 

These calls, which can be very convincing because the scammers may have information or details about you, are scams. The scammers will tell you to buy gold to "protect your money" from being seized and to prevent your arrest. These calls should be reported to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

To read the full FTC Consumer Alert, which contains more information and tips on how to avoid these scams, please click here.