PHONE SCAM ALERT
MPD received a report about a phone scam circulating in the area. A caller identifies themselves as an officer with the Social Security Administration. The caller claims to be investigating a fraud. The caller will tell you that there is a problem with your social security number. The caller will then push you to provide personal identification information about yourself to include providing your social security number.
This is a common phone scam. Legitimate businesses and law enforcement agencies do not conduct business in this manner on the phone. DO NOT ever provide personal identification information, or personal financial information, about yourself over the phone unless you are 100% certain you know who you are talking to. Even then, trust but verify.
If you have been the victim of this type of scam, and you believe your identity has been stolen or you have been the victim of a financial fraud, report these crimes right away to law enforcement. In Marshalltown you can call 641.754.5725 24/7 to report these crimes or ask questions.
Here is a link to a helpful article regarding similar scams.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/01/scammers-impersonate-social-security-administration?fbclid=IwAR04iV9qKLdEvPq7Q7HmWzpGlDIRQrY8lQIri8ixf0Bxy_IjsbM4mkPjkTM