THIS $CAM MAY COST YOU $1,500 TO $15,000

Every hour of every day over 20,000 telephone scam calls are made in the United States. One of the most common scams involves a fake call from the "Social Security Administration." Why?

1. Because Social Security directly effects about 34 million people in the US, so there is a very large pool of proposed victims.

2. Many of the people on Social Security are elderly and may be a favorite target of these scammer/criminals.

The intended victim gets a random call from someone who claims to be from "the Social Security Administration." He or she tells the target victim that his or her Social Security numb er has been involved in some type of fraud or criminal activity and has been suspended. Of course, this isn't true.

Or, the caller may say that you are entitled to additional benefits or more money from Social Security. They just to verify a few simple facts (such as your date of birth, Social Security number, address, etc.). Obviously, the caller is "phishing" for your personal information.

There are many variations of this scam. Here a just a few examples:

* The caller may say he is from the US Treasury Department and you are about to be arrested on some matter unless you pay a past due tax bill (totally fraudulent of course).

* You have won a large lotto or sweepstakes, but the taxes on the winnings must be paid in advance, so the check can be sent to you.

* Your computer has sent a message that your security has been breached and if you don't fix it, someone can steal your bank information or other personal data. (Total hog-wash).

* You have won a free cruise, vacation, hotel stay, trip, etc.

The purpose of all these scams is to (a) get you to send money, money orders, gift cards or credit card payments to the scammer--who is probably not inside the United States; OR to trick you into giving the caller your credit card or banking information so he or she can steal money from your account.

These calls are basically trying to rob you. Don't talk to them, argue with them, answer any question, or provide any information. Nothing. Just hang up. If possible, block the call on your phone so they can't call back. However, most of these people have many telephone numb ers and you can't block them alll.

You can report these calls to the police, FBI or telephone company--but it won't do any good. There are too many of the calls and too many scammers. The telephone companies could do something to stop these criminals from using their lines, but they won't. The FBI or police have no authority in India, Pakistan, Iran, Russia and other countries where these calls originate.

You must protect yourself. Don't speak to these people and, for heaven's sake, do not send them any money, no matter what they promise or threat3en. "You are about to be arrested," they say. "Come on down," you say and hang up the phone. If you talk to these criminals, you lose.