The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has received reports about people pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) who are trying to obtain your Social Security number (SSN) and even take your money. Scam Scenario 0ne: In one version of the scam, the...
News Archive
Protection & Security
We are committed to educating our community members about scams targeting seniors in Santa Clara County; as well as providing up-to-date information offering protection against such scams. This page offers timely data about scams reported, steps to take when targeted, and how to avoid these scams. Guidance is made available as scams are identified.
Receive updates on identified scams targeting seniors by visiting the national database: fraud.org.
Avoid Frequent Scams
Each year, the National Consumers League (NCL) compiles all complaints into an annual Top Ten Scams Report to identify emerging threats – like scammers demanding payment via gift cards – that aid in alerting consumers, companies, and the government about growing...
District Attorney’s Office Alerts Residents about Lottery Scam
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office is warning residents to be careful of the “Advanced Fee Lottery Scam.” Scammers are actively working in Santa Clara County and recently stole more than $50,000 from an elderly resident in Morgan Hill. A quick and...
Be Alert for Fraudulent Social Security Administration Calls
Scammers are spoofing the SSA’s 1-800 customer service number to try to get personal information. Spoofing means that scammers can call from anywhere, but they make the victim’s caller ID show a different number – often one that looks legitimate to make the call look...
Social Security Administration Warns of Impersonation Schemes
The Acting Inspector General of Social Security is warning citizens about ongoing Social Security Administration (SSA) impersonation schemes. SSA and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) have recently received several reports of suspicious phone calls from...
New Medicare card, same old scammers
To help protect your identity, Medicare began mailing new, more secure Medicare cards to individuals enrolled in Medicare. Due to the large amount of individuals enrolled in Medicare, participants should expect to receive their new card starting as early as April 2018...
Be Alert for “Distraction Burglars”
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office issues a warning that “distraction burglars” are targeting elderly in the community. Local law enforcement has received information concerning people in the area who are attempting burglaries in which suspects pose as...
EBT Operations Advises Cardholders of Fraudulent Phone Scams
The Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Operations is warning the public about phone call scams, text message scams, and smart-phone application (app) scams. If cardholders are contacted about their EBT accounts, they should not provide any personal information; rather...
Beware of New Medicare Card Phone Scam
The California Health Advocates & California Senior Medicare Patrol has received numerous reports about a phone scam pertaining to the new Medicare benefit cards. Scammers tell beneficiaries they need to purchase a temporary Medicare card with the cost ranging...
County of Santa Clara Social Services Agency Issues Scam Alert
The County of Santa Clara Social Services Agencies is warning the public about text messages and phone call scams targeting beneficiaries of CalWORKs, CalFresh, General Assistance, Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants, and Medi-Cal. Two scams to be aware of: Text...