On March 7, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that it was celebrating its annual “Slam the Scam” day, warning people of the danger of Social Security scams. This day is meant to bring greater awareness of these types of scams to the general public to help them avoid being harmed by various types of fraud. Recipients of Social Security benefits should always remember to protect their personal information, and always be careful of advertisements or attempts at communication that do not come through official channels.
What Are Social Security Scams?
Social Security scams are a type of fraud that targets recipients of Social Security benefits, which includes elderly retired people as well as people with severe disabilities. These scammers attempt to impersonate employees of the SSA to convince people to give them either money or personal information, which is then used for their own personal enrichment. Social Security scams are often geared to specifically take advantage of the elderly or the disabled, knowing they are often more vulnerable than others to these types of fraud.
How Are People Targeted By Scammers?
Social Security scams can take a variety of potential forms. These include, but are not limited to:
- Calling and pretending to be SSA agents seeking information or money
- Creating fake versions of the SSA website, hotline, or social media accounts
- Sending fake emails or texts pretending to be from the SSA
- Selling forms from the SSA that are otherwise available for free
- Charging for a Social Security-related service without openly advertising it first
- Demanding money or gift cards to resolve a Social Security “emergency”
How Can Social Security Scammers Harm You?
The most obvious way that Social Security scams can hurt you is by convincing you to give them money for fake or dishonest services. They can also try to hurt you by making you give up personal identifying information, which they can use to compromise your credit cards or financial accounts. Either way, they are depriving you of your money and security for their own personal benefit.
What Should You Do?
If you have been targeted by one of these Social Security scams, you should report it to the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General. Make sure to take screenshots or otherwise give as much information as possible so they can adequately track down perpetrators. You should also make sure to protect yourself and your loved ones to ensure they do not fall victim to these types of scams by warning them of the potential risk.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.
