Social Security calling about Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering

Better Business Bureau Serving Acadiana has received many calls regarding

consumers are getting alarming phone calls from someone who claims to be from law

enforcement or Social Security Administration. The caller tells you that a car registered in

your name has been found with drugs, money and blood in it, or that your name is

associated with a house that has been part of a recent drug raid. They proceed to tell you

that you have charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and potential homicide. You’re

given an officers name, badge number, case number and told that there is a warrant for

your arrest.

According to BBB Scamtracker, this phishing scam is looking to obtain your personal

information like address, financial information, your date of birth and social security

number. Consumers have reported to BBB, the scammer could verify the last four digits or

full social security number and other personal information. The scammers claims they need

this information to help track down the crooks or help your clear your record.

How to Avoid this Scam and other Government Imposter Scams:

 Never give out your personal information over the phone, email, or any

website until you have verified the person asking for it.

 Do not trust your caller ID or email. Many scammers "spoof" emails and

phone numbers to make you trust them.

 Government agencies DO NOT call unsolicited; rather, they send letters

if they need to contact a citizen.

 Contact the government or law enforcement agency using a number or

website you know to be correct. SSA has stated that you can contact them if

you receive a call from someone who claims to be an SSA employee at 1-800-

772-1213 to verify.

If someone has tried to steal your personal information by pretending to be from a

government agency, report it to the FTC. You can also report scams to BBB, go to

bbb.org/scamtracker.

"Look for the Seal” and Start with Trust®. BBB Serving Acadiana is a private non-

profit organization. BBB strives for a trustworthy marketplace by maintaining standards for

truthful advertising, investigating and exposing fraud against consumers and businesses.

Please contact Better Business Bureau at bbb.org 24 hours a day for information on

businesses throughout North America. Consumers can also sign up for our free BBB “Scoop”

eNewsletter by visiting bbb.org and clicking on the “Programs & Services” tab.

BBB Serving Acadiana services the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette,

St. Martin, St. Landry and Vermilion.