For most of us, social security is a financial safety net and we trust it will be there when we need it.

So a call from the government offering to add benefits would probably catch our attention.

But is it legitimate?

Six On Your Side has a scam warning about social security pretenders.

Jennifer Novacek doesn't need government assistance but when a caller told her she's eligible for extra social security benefits she listened.

"I just have to give you my bank account information," says Novacek.

That's when Novacek became suspicious, got out her tape recorder and started grilling the caller.

"You don't believe this is Social Security. You say you're calling from the U.S. government and I do not believe you."

The caller, who claimed to be with the Social Security Administration and offered money, said he's in California, but on Jennifer's caller i.d. it showed he was calling from Brookfield, Connecticut.

Six On Your Side dialed the number and received an automated answer and then the call hung up.

Novacek says the more questions she asked, the more threatening the caller became.

"I do not believe you, says Novacek.

The caller says “If you not believing me, if you not interested, you'll be off the list that's all. Lose your benefits. Have a good day."

Novacek says "(They were) very much scare tactics. They were very pointed in if you don't want this, tough. You lose your benefits."

A Social Security spokesperson say the agency calls you only to respond to questions or regarding a claim you have filed.

It doesn't make money offers.

"The U.S. government would not hire and outsource giving away money," says the spokesperson.

Jennifer Novacek says an offer from the government to give you money should be a red flag to anyone getting the same call.

If you get a call from someone claiming to be with the Social Security Administration, don't give out any personal information before checking it out.

The Office of the Inspector General has a hotline to report suspicious calls about social security.

It's 1-800-269-0271.