"THIS IS THE POLICE." NO, IT ISN'T.

Crooks never give up. They keep finding ways to scam people. Here is the newest Social Security scam:

You get a call from voice claiming to be from Social Security. There is a problem with your account, your check or your Social Security Number. You are skeptical, of course, because you know there are many Social Security scams going around. You also know that Social Security never calls people to notify them of problems.

So, you demand the scammer provider identification so you know he or she is legitimate. You receive a credential in your email showing the caller's photo and badge. It may be an ID from Social Security--or it may be a law enforcement badge.

These badges and credentials are forgeries. Someone has stolen (or made) a badge that looks like a real credential. They are using these badges to trick individuals into sending them money. The scammers may use threatening language ("You will be arrested") or other threats ("Your benefit check will be stopped"), etc. They demand that you wire money, provide a banking account number, buy a gift card, or some other means of transferring money to them. Don't do it.

These are always scams, always intended to rob you. Don't fall for it. Remember:

1. Social Security will never call you and ask for money by phone. Never.

2. A government employee or law enforcement officer will never send you a copy of their badge or ID. It is never done.

3. A real government employee or law enforcement officer will never make threatening demands over the phone. Never.

If you get one of these calls hang up immediately. Never provide your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, banking information or ANY OTHER information the caller asks for. Don't listen to their threats. Hang up at once. If you engage in a conversation with these scammers, there's a good chance they will scam you out of your money.

Most of these scam calls originate from India, Pakistan or China. However, they use tricks to make your caller ID show a fake phone number. Some of the calls even say "Social Security" or "Police Department." These crooks are slick.

Once you have sent these crooks money, there is no way to get it back, ever. The government can't get it back, the FBI can't get it back, your lawyer can't get it back. So beware and be wise. Never, ever transfer money, gift cards, money orders or any other form of payment to persons you don't know.

Your best protection: JUST HANG UP. RIGHT AWAY.