Social Security scams can take on many different forms, so it is essential to recognize the signs of this fraudulent activity and know the steps to take if you believe you have been scammed.
Social Security scams are fraudulent schemes that aim to deceive individuals by impersonating the Social Security Administration (SSA) or exploiting Social Security benefits for illicit gain. These scams can take various forms, including:
- Impersonation scams: In these scams, fraudsters pose as SSA officials or representatives and contact individuals via phone calls, emails, texts, or social media. They may use intimidating tactics to pressure victims into providing personal information or making immediate payments.
- Phishing scams: Phishing scams involve fraudulent emails or messages that appear to be from the SSA, prompting individuals to click on fake links or provide sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or passwords. These links may lead to fake websites designed to steal personal information.
- Benefit suspension scams: Scammers may falsely claim that an individual’s Social Security benefits will be suspended due to supposed legal issues or irregularities in their account. They use fear tactics to trick victims into making payments or giving out personal information to prevent the suspension.
- Identity theft scams: Identity theft scams involve the unauthorized use of an individual’s personal information, including their Social Security number, to commit fraud or access financial accounts. Scammers may use stolen identities to file false Social Security benefit claims or apply for loans and credit cards in the victim’s name.
Recently, scammers have started using real names and phone numbers of Social Security Administration or SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) employees when engaging in their illegal activities. This is why it is important to rely on more than just caller ID to confirm a caller’s identity.
These scammers might also send official-looking letters or messages through mail, email, text, or social media to seem authentic. While these letters may have SSA or SSA OIG logos and use government language, they are not legitimate. One easy way to tell if they are fraudulent is by looking for misspellings, for many scammers have grammatical errors in their information.
Best Practices for Protecting Yourself Against Social Security Scams
It is crucial to stay vigilant against potential Social Security scams. As mentioned previously, scammers often use tactics, such as impersonation, phishing emails, and intimidating phone calls, to trick individuals into sharing sensitive information or making payments. It is important to remember that the SSA will never demand immediate payment, threaten legal action, or request personal information over the phone or email. If you are ever unsure if you have been scammed, reach out to the SSA directly.
Use these tips to stay informed and protect your personal and financial security:
- Verify the Caller’s Identity: Never share personal information over the phone, especially if you did not initiate the call. If someone claims to be from the SSA, hang up and call the official SSA number to verify.
- Secure Your Personal Information: Always protect your Social Security number, and only share it when absolutely necessary, like with trusted financial institutions or government agencies.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create strong passwords for your online accounts, especially those related to finances or personal info. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters, and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
- Regularly Check Your Social Security Statements: Keep an eye on your Social Security statements to spot any suspicious activity. Look for payments you did not receive or changes in your benefits you did not authorize. Report any discrepancies to the SSA immediately.
What To Do If You Suspect a Social Security Scam
If you suspect a Social Security scam, hang up the phone or immediately stop communication with the scammer, whether it is an email, text, or social media message. Afterward, you should report the scam to the SSA or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to alert them of the fraudulent activity. If you need the assistance of a Florida disability lawyer, the attorneys at Culbertson, Jacobs & LaBoda are here for you.