Suffolk police and elected officials are warning the public about a phone scam that cost a Huntington resident $1,400.

Wayne Chertoff, of Melville, says he got a phone call about a week ago from somebody claiming they were from the Social Security Administration. They said that he owed money and could go to jail if he didn't pay up.

He then bought $1,400 worth of Google Play cards and paid the caller.

Officials say the scam is particularly treacherous because the caller ID for the incoming call says "Social Security."

"The only reason why I'm here is to try and help the next senior citizen from having their monthly allotment from Social Security wiped out,” Chertoff said Thursday at the 2nd Precinct. 

The real Social Security Administration says it would never ask for payment in gift cards. It says to be wary about giving any personal information out over the phone.