In recent weeks, the Social Security Administration has received reports of scam calls where callers try to trick people into providing personal information, including PIN codes. In the call, it is claimed that there is a problem with pension calculation and the person is asked to identify himself via Smart-ID or mobile ID.
According to Mare Sillaotsa, head of the Customer Relations Department of the Social Insurance Board, the common thread is the alleged problem with calculating the retirement age. “Fraudsters present themselves as employees of the Social Insurance Board or the Pension Board, asking people to come to our office to explain the circumstances and to confirm their arrival via Smart-ID or mobile ID,” says Sillaots. It is important to emphasize that the Pension Board as an institution does not exist. “Only the Social Insurance Board deals with all questions and payments related to pensions, but our agency never calls or asks people to identify themselves or share PIN codes over the phone,” adds Sillaots
If you receive a call claiming to have a pension problem, always check who is calling and for what purpose. Questions to ask:
- Who are you and where are you calling from?
- why are you calling me
- Why don’t you speak Estonian?
Sillaots advises anyone who receives such suspicious phone calls to immediately hang up and, if possible, block the calling number. “If you have suffered material damage, please contact the police,” he added.
2024-10-25 05:41:00
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Interview with Cybersecurity Expert: Rising Threat of Scam Calls
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Emily Carter, a cybersecurity expert and author of “Staying Safe in a Digital Age.” As recent reports indicate a spike in scam calls, we’re eager to understand this troubling trend better.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this critical issue.
Editor: To start, can you explain why the number of scam calls has increased in recent months?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely. Several factors contribute to the rise in scam calls, including advancements in technology that make it easier for scammers to utilize automated systems and spoof phone numbers. Additionally, during economic downturns, people may fall prey to scams as scammers prey on their vulnerabilities.
Editor: What are some common types of scam calls that people should be aware of?
Dr. Carter: The most prevalent types include IRS or tax-related scams, tech support scams, and calls impersonating banks or even government officials. Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring individuals to act quickly.
Editor: That sounds alarming. What advice do you have for individuals to protect themselves from these scams?
Dr. Carter: First, it’s essential to remain skeptical. If you receive a call that seems suspicious, hang up and verify the number directly from the official source. Never provide personal information over the phone unless you are sure of the caller’s identity. Also, consider utilizing call-blocking apps which can help filter out unwanted calls.
Editor: Are there any signs that indicate a call is likely a scam?
Dr. Carter: Yes, there are several red flags. These include calls from unknown numbers, aggressive demands for immediate payment, and requests for sensitive personal information. Scammers often use poor grammar or unusual language, which can also be a hint that the call is not legitimate.
Editor: Thank you for those insights, Dr. Carter. Before we wrap up, is there any other advice you’d like to share with our readers?
Dr. Carter: I encourage everyone to share information about scams with family and friends, especially older individuals who may be more vulnerable. Raising awareness about these tactics helps create a more informed community, making it harder for scammers to succeed.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Carter, for your time and valuable advice on navigating this rising threat of scam calls.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. Stay safe out there!
Interview with Cybersecurity Expert: Rising Threat of Scam Calls
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Emily Carter, a cybersecurity expert and author of “Staying Safe in a Digital Age.” As recent reports indicate a spike in scam calls, we’re eager to understand this troubling trend better.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this critical issue.
Editor: To start, can you explain why the number of scam calls has increased in recent months?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely. Several factors contribute to the rise in scam calls, including advancements in technology that make it easier for scammers to utilize automated systems and spoof phone numbers. Additionally, during economic downturns, people may fall prey to scams as scammers prey on their vulnerabilities.
Editor: What are some common types of scam calls that people should be aware of?
Dr. Carter: The most prevalent types include IRS or tax-related scams, tech support scams, and calls impersonating banks or even government officials. Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring individuals to act quickly.
Editor: That sounds alarming. What advice do you have for individuals to protect themselves from these scams?
Dr. Carter: First, it’s essential to remain skeptical. If you receive a call that seems suspicious, always ask for the caller’s name and the organization they represent. Never provide personal information or PIN codes over the phone. If the call concerns something as sensitive as your retirement or social security, hang up and contact the agency directly through official channels.
Editor: We recently heard about scams specifically targeting senior citizens regarding pension calculations. What additional measures should they take?
Dr. Carter: Seniors should be especially cautious. I recommend they create a support system, where they can discuss suspicious calls with family or friends. Scammers often exploit isolation, so having someone to talk to about these issues can help.
Editor: How should someone report these scam calls if they’ve fallen victim to one?
Dr. Carter: If someone has suffered material damage from a scam call, they should contact their local police immediately. Additionally, reporting the call to consumer protection agencies can help raise awareness and potentially prevent others from falling victim.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights. It’s crucial that we stay informed and vigilant to protect ourselves in this digital age.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. Stay safe!
