'THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER"

The scam is so old that most people have heard about it.

You get a call from someone (often with a foreign accent) saying, "There is a problem with your Social Security number. Your number has been connected to suspicious activity. We must speak to you now." Or something like that.

Don't talk to these criminals. Social Security NEVER, EVER calls people with this type of message. First, it is extremely unlikely that could ever be a serious problem involving your Social Security number or account. Second, Social Security would never handle matters this way.

The goal of this scam is either to collect your private information: Social Security number, address, date of birth, banking information, etc. Do not provide that out to anyone on the telephone.

Another goal may be to take some money from you directly--by asking you to send cash, check, money order or even a prepaid gift card. If you show resistance these crooks may use threats: you will be arrested, police are on the way to your home, or your Social Security check will be stopped. These are, of course, all lies.

CAUTION: Some of these scammers are so sophisticated that they can use telephone numbers that mimic the Social Security phone number. I've known of cases where the caller ID displays "Social Security Administration."

WHAT IS ALWAYS YOUR SAFEST BET? HANG UP THE PHONE WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING.

JHU: JUST HANG UP!

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Charles Forsythe is founder of The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville, AL where he assists persons who need Social Security disability benefits. You may reach Mr. Forsythe for a free consultation by calling (256) 799-0297 or (256) 503-8151.