Special to the Lake Okeechobee News
CLEWISTON -- Sheriff Steve Whidden is warning Hendry County residents that his name and the Hendry County Sheriff's Office name are being used in conjunction with a possible Social Security scam.
Scammers will often try to convince their victims that the sheriff's office is involved with "their case." Many have been told they have a warrant for their arrest or will be issued a warrant for arrest if they don't give the caller the information or money they're asking for.
Don't fall for it, warns the sheriff.
The following statement was put out by the official US Government Social Security Office: "SSA employees will never threaten you for information or promise benefits in exchange for information. In those cases, the call is fraudulent. Just hang up. If you suspect you've been contacted by an SSA scammer call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at:1-800-269-0271."
Also, you may contact the Hendry County Sheriff's Office if you believe you have become a victim of Social Security Fraud at:863-674-5600.
