What to Look for to Know if You’re Being Scammed
Unscrupulous scam artists continue to prey upon unsuspecting seniors. That’s why it’s so important to educate yourself against attempted fraud, especially Social Security imposter scams which try to trick you into providing personal information or money by posing as a government official.
According to the Pioneer in Big Rapids, Michigan, do not respond to a suspicious letter, text, email, or phone call. Rather, you should report suspected Social Security imposter scams — and other Social Security fraud — to the OIG’s website at oig.ssa.gov/report.
It’s important to know that the Social Security Administration will NEVER send images of an employee’s official government identification; mail or email “official” letters or reports containing your personal information; threaten to arrest you or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee; require payment by retail gift card, wire transfer, internet currency or cash by mail; promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
The Seniors Trust is committed to helping protect Social Security and that includes providing important information to seniors on how to prevent Social Security scams. We also want to see Congress pass The Social Security Expansion Act. It will give retirees an immediate benefits increase of about $200 a month, a fair annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), increased minimum benefits, and will ensure the long-term solvency of the Social Security program.
