Scammers are out in force with new gimmicks to separate you from your cash.

Putnam County resident Terry Skipper stopped by the H-C office Wednesday, January 8, to report a scam.

She said someone called her mother’s number and left a message stating her mother’s Social Security number was being used “south of the Texas border.”

Skipper said her mother was concerned, and mother and daughter checked the bank and Social Security office to make sure that was they case. They also notified the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

Skipper said the message sounded official, with the caller stating she was an officer. She said the message sounded just official enough to snare those who aren’t paying attention.

According to the Social Security Administration website, when employees call citizens, it’s usually regarding a situation the citizen already knows about. When SSA employees do call, they’ll provide you with a telephone number and extension.

Since Social Security number scams are pretty well-known, the website encourages folks to hang up if they’re not sure.

According to the site, SSA employees will never demand immediate payment. They’ll never demand that you pay a debt without offering the chance to appeal the amount you owe. SSA employees won’t demand a specific type of payment, like a debit card or iTunes gift card. They’ll never ask you for debit or credit card numbers over the phone. They’ll never threaten you with arrest or deportation.

If you receive a scam call, hang up and contact the Social Security’s Office of Inspector General online at oig.ssa.gov/report.