CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CAUTIONS VIRGIN ISLANDERS AGAINST SOCIAL SECURITY CARD SCAMS

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland 

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CAUTIONS VIRGIN ISLANDERS AGAINST SOCIAL SECURITY CARD SCAMS 

U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) is urging residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands to be on high alert after the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) issued a national scam warning to remind the public that new and replacement Social Security cards are provided at no cost. Numerous fraudulent websites and impersonators are currently charging fees for services that the federal government provides for free. 

The SSA provides this assistance — for first-time applicants, replacements for lost cards, and name changes — at no charge. Residents are encouraged to visit SSA’s official website at ssa.gov/number-card or call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Eligible individuals may also create a personal my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount to apply for a replacement card online. 

“I want every Virgin Islander to know that you should never have to pay for a Social Security card — not a new one, not a replacement, not for any reason,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “Scammers are actively targeting communities throughout the country with false claims about Social Security card fees. I urge all Virgin Islanders to go directly to the official SSA website or call their hotline, and to avoid third-party websites that may seek to steal your money or your personal information.” 

The SSA OIG has cautioned the public to be wary of imposter websites and fraudulent social media accounts designed to collect sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, birthdates, and credit card information. Section 1140 of the Social Security Act explicitly prohibits misleading SSA-related communications and restricts charging for services the SSA provides for free. Violators are subject to financial penalties. 

Congresswoman Plaskett urges all residents to keep the following steps in mind: 

1. Pause. If you receive an unexpected call, text, email, letter, or social media message, be skeptical. Think: is this a scam? 
2. Protect. Guard your personal and financial information. Talk to someone you trust before sharing sensitive details or making any payment. 
3. Report. Visit ssa.gov/scam to report suspected Social Security-related scams. Follow SSA OIG on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for the latest scam alerts. You may also visit the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov for additional consumer protection resources. 

“Our seniors, our families, and our most vulnerable residents deserve to access the federal benefits and services they are entitled to without fear of exploitation,” Congresswoman Plaskett concluded. “I will always fight to ensure that Virgin Islanders are informed, protected, and empowered. If you or someone you know believes they have been targeted by one of these scams, please report it immediately and do not provide any further personal information.” 

###