Scammers are so ubiquitous now that it can be difficult to tell whether calls are authentic. Robocalls have become the standard, and it can be tough to decide when to pick up the phone, especially if the contact comes from an unknown number. Among these are some of the most prevalent scam calls involving the Social Security Administration, or SSA, and receiving Social Security payments.
Whether it’s trolls phishing for your personal bank account information or crooks attempting to access your government benefits, there are steps you can take to avoid identity theft before it occurs. Here are four of the most prevalent Social Security scams, as well as some advice for avoiding fraud.
Scam 1: You owe money that is due immediately.
Before you search high and low for your Social Security card and begin writing checks for this scam, here’s everything you need to know about how it works:
Prompt: The scammer claims you owe money for a penalty or benefit overpayment repair. This is generally followed by a threat to suspend your benefits or jail you if you do not pay the amount due immediately. Occasionally, unique payment methods are asked.
Why it is bogus: The SSA never accepts wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, prepaid debit cards, or cash mailed in. Scammers choose these payment methods because they are practically impossible to track.
Scam 2: Your Social Security benefits are suspended.
Unfortunately, senior adults are the primary targets of these types of scams. Because these are the folks who are eligible to get Social Security benefits and frequently rely on them, scammers take advantage of the situation. Here’s how this scam works:
Prompt: A scammer informs you that your Social Security benefits are suspended. Then they ask for your full Social Security number to “verify your identity” or request that you pay a fee to have your benefits reinstated.
Why It’s bogus: Employees from Social Security do not call and ask for your Social Security number, nor do they charge you to fix your benefits. In this circumstance, either option would be dishonest.
Scam 3: Your Social Security Number is Suspended.
The Administration for Community Living, a branch of the US Department of Health and Human Services, recently revealed that accusations of scams aimed at older individuals were on the rise.
“Because Social Security is a significant source of income for older folks, they are more likely to answer calls or respond to letters for fear of missing out on something vital. “They have more assets, so it’s simply a better use of scammers’ time to exploit older people,” said Stacey Wood, Scripps College’s Molly Mason Jones Chair in Psychology.
Prompt: Scammers claim that your Social Security number has been suspended and that your personal information is required to reactivate it.
Why It’s bogus: The SSA never suspends individuals’ Social Security numbers. Scammers are just asking for it over the phone to steal your identity and benefits.
Scam 4: You can pay to increase your Social Security benefits.
Be careful of anyone attempting to get you to pay for any increase in your Social Security amount. If you are approached with the following prompts, steer clear.
Prompt: A scammer claims that you can have your Social Security benefits boosted for an upfront charge.
Why It’s bogus: This scam is frequently related with the SSA’s yearly cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). If someone calls and offers to apply for the COLA on your behalf for a charge, they are attempting to swindle you. The SSA is the only entity that makes COLA adjustments.
Reference: 4 Scams That Target Social Security Benefits (and How To Protect Yourself)
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