<Dd> "I am outraged that someone would target an unsuspecting public in this manner," said Commissioner Jo Anne B. Barnhart . "I have asked the Inspector General to use all the resources at his command to find and prosecute whoever is perpetrating this fraud ." </Dd> <P> Once directed to the phony website, the individual is reportedly asked to confirm his or her identity with "Social Security and bank information ." Specific information about the individual's credit card number, expiration date and PIN is then requested . "Whether on our online website or by phone, Social Security will never ask you for your credit card information or your PIN," Commissioner Jo Anne B. Barnhart reported . </P> <P> Social Security Administration Inspector General O'Carroll recommended people always take precautions when giving out personal information . "You should never provide your Social Security number or other personal information over the Internet or by telephone unless you are extremely confident of the source to whom you are providing the information," O'Carroll said . See Press Release . </P> <P> Given the vast size of the program, fraud sometimes occurs . The Social Security Administration has its own investigatory unit to combat and prevent fraud, the Cooperative Disability Investigations Unit (CDIU). The Cooperative Disability Investigations (CDI) Program continues to be one of the most successful initiatives, contributing to the integrity of SSA's disability programs . In addition when investigating fraud in other SSA programs, the Social Security Administration may request investigatory assistance from other federal law enforcement agencies including the Office of the Inspector General and the FBI . </P>

Federal old age and insurance grant trust funds