JEFFERSON COUNTY — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the public of a phone scam happening in the area.

Victims have received calls either by recording or a person claiming to be from the Social Security Administration saying the victim’s Social Security number and account have been frozen due to criminal allegations.

A phone number will be provided to call and rectify the issue. A monetary settlement amount will be requested to reinstate the account and number.

The sheriff’s office notes this is a scam, is not legitimate, and the call should be avoided or reported to your local law enforcement agency. People are reminded to never provide any personal or information over the phone.