How to Spot a Social Security Scam Trying to Steal Your Identity
Senior citizens are being targeted by scam artists at an alarming rate. An article in the Daily Press points out that the number of alleged Social Security scams jumped 61.7 percent between June 2022 and June 2023, according to the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General.
Often the unsuspecting victim provides their personal information because they think they are being contacted by Social Security itself. The agency cautions that it will never contact you by phone and ask for information, so if you receive a call from someone claiming to be with the Social Security Administration you should hang up immediately.
Other red flags include someone stating there is a problem with your benefits, being pressured to respond immediately, and being asked to pay money to correct something.
As a reminder, you should NEVER give out your personal information. Social Security will not ask for sensitive information it already has on file.
The Seniors Trust is committed to providing important information to seniors on how to prevent scams that target their identity or finances, including trying to steal Social Security numbers. We also want Congress to enact 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), increase minimum benefits, and ensure the long-term solvency of the Social Security program.
