{"id":4146,"date":"2019-01-01T12:15:36","date_gmt":"2019-01-01T17:15:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/assistinghands.com\/34\/?p=4146"},"modified":"2020-01-15T11:47:48","modified_gmt":"2020-01-15T16:47:48","slug":"lets-talk-about-social-security-scams-again","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/34\/florida\/palmbeach\/blog\/lets-talk-about-social-security-scams-again\/","title":{"rendered":"Let’s talk about Social Security Scams, Again…"},"content":{"rendered":"
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They are at unparalleled levels this year so ‘let’s talk about Social Security scams, again’…<\/h4>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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The Social Security Administration estimates that scammers are calling thousands of Americans every day, looking to wangle personal information, steal benefits or both. It\u2019s a common form of government impostor scam, in which thugs pose as officials to get you to send money or give up personal data for use in identity theft.<\/p>\n

The Federal Trade Commission reported a surge in late 2018 in scams involving fake SSA employees calling elders and caregivers with warnings that their Social Security numbers are linked to criminal activity and suspended. The thieve asks you to confirm your number so they can reactivate it or issue you a new one, for a fee. This is in fact, no emergency but a ploy to get money and personal data: Social Security does not suspend numbers, ever.\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

This con is sometimes executed via robocall \u2014 the recording gives you a number to call to remedy the problem. In another version, the caller says your bank account is at risk due to the illicit activity and offers to help you keep it safe<\/em>.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, you might get a call from a supposed SSA representative bearing good news \u2014 say, a cost-of-living increase in your benefits. To get the extra money, you just have to verify your personal information including your Social Security number<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Armed with those identifiers, scammers can effectively hijack your account, asking SSA to change the address, phone number and direct deposit information on your record and thus diverting your benefits.<\/p>\n

Organizations such as Consumer Reports warns of another trick with an ironic twist: Fraudsters send out emails similar from SSA and instruct you to click a link to register for a free service that protects you from Social Security fraud. It\u2019s actually a garden-variety phishing scam, designed to guide you to a fake government website that will steal your information.<\/p>\n

With a little vigilance, Social Security scams are not difficult to identify and avoid.<\/p>\n

Warning Signs<\/h3>\n