Boardman authorities warn about scam targeting elderly

Staff report

BOARDMAN

Township police are warning residents about a scam targeting the elderly.

A 73-year-old woman told police that she received a call from a man Thursday morning who claimed to be from the Society Security Administration. He said the agency was reissuing Social Security cards and needed information to verify her identity.

The caller recited the woman’s address, asking her to verify it and then asked for her date of birth.

She provided that, but when the man asked the woman to provide checking account information, she refused.

She hung up when the man became more aggressive.

“The Social Security Administration doesn’t call people like that,” said Detective Glenn Patton. “If you get a similar call, hang up right away.”

If a person already has received a similar call and provided the information requested, Patton urged them to file a police report and to contact their bank immediately.

Similar incidents were reported in Pittsburgh last year.