Elon Musk‘s latest arrest plan has emphasized that Social Security fraud is real. Whether you are on survivor pay or retirement checks, the very thing is bound to scare you. The SSA is already struggling financially, so the thought of rampant benefit fraud is very unwanted.
Most people know that Social Security fraud happens when it involves people claiming benefits on behalf of the dead. However, that’s not how scammers are trying to get their hands on your checks.
One of the most common strategies used by thieves is impersonating federal employees in an attempt to gain access to the personal information of senior beneficiaries. Often, these scammers will try to connect you via mail, email, and phone. Then, they will claim that they will need to verify some information in order to ensure that you continue to receive your benefits. Sometimes, they might say that there’s some problem with your payments or promise additional stimulus if you provide sensitive information.
The next is as you can imagine. Yes, once they gain access to your money, they will never ever contact you again. Some Social Security fraud also can involve people taking checks from an elderly family member who is unable to handle it themselves. Some also lie to the federal government on their applications. However, this kind of fraud doesn’t really target other people, whereas skilled thieves can walk away with tens of thousands of dollars. If they cover their tracks well, it will be almost impossible for you to identify them. So, it is very important to know how to respond if a scammer like this contacts you, and if you fall victim to their game, what should be your next step?
How to avoid becoming a victim of social security fraud?
If an individual contacts you, informing you that there is a problem with your benefit, it could be alarming. It will also be difficult to identify whether the individual is an impersonator. So, it is always safe to reach out to the Social Security Administration directly and verify the status of your benefits.
Watch this video on how to identify #SocialSecurity scammers. Read our fact sheet for more tips on how to protect yourself here: https://t.co/CnaxLH9ann. Please share this with family and friends. pic.twitter.com/jZ5BAWQtR6
— Social Security (@SocialSecurity) January 6, 2020
Sometimes, these fraudsters try to persuade you to give information by claiming that it’s an urgent issue, and if you don’t respond, you can face negative consequences. However, this is a very common tactic used by scammers. If you encounter a situation like this, you must stay firm and recognize that it’s fraud. Do not provide your personal information, especially your Social Security number. In addition, do not use any web links, email addresses, and phone numbers provided by the scammer. The best thing to do here is visit your local SSA office or the agency’s website to verify information.
You should also report it online to the Office of the Inspector General and notify your local authorities if you think the fraudster is from around. After encountering a Social Security fraud like this, it becomes impossible to secure your identity or your benefits. So always respond carefully.
