Social Security SCAMS!

These days, everyone needs to be cautious of scams – Internet, mail, even phone scams – which can damage your credit score and pocketbook. Anytime someone asks for your personal information, be wary. Particularly cruel are swindles who target Social Security beneficiaries. Recently, Social Security became aware of a scam targeting beneficiaries in the Southern California area, with scammers telephoning beneficiaries to tell them they were due a “stimulus payment.” The scammer offered to deposit the payment to each beneficiary’s account once the personal and bank account information was provided. The scammer then contacted Social Security by phone to request the benefits be deposited into a new account – the scammer’s account, to steal the payments. A similar version of this criminal ploy has scammer call the beneficiary to “confirm” their personal and financial information. As a rule of thumb, Social Security will not call you for your personal information such as Social Security number or banking information. If someone contacts you and asks for this information, do not give it. Never provide your Social Security number or other personal information over the telephone unless you initiated the contact, or are confident of the person to whom you are speaking. If in doubt, do not release information without verifying the validity of the call by contacting the local Social Security office or Social Security’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).Another way to protect yourself is to keep your Social Security card and other important documents locked away in a safe place. Do not give personal information to just anyone. If you’ve fallen victim to fraud or identity theft, be sure to file a report with the local police or the police department where the identity theft took place, and keep a copy of the report as proof of the crime. Information on how to prevent scams and protect yourself can be found at www.ftc.gov/idtheft. You can also read Social Security’s publication, Identify Theft And Your Social Security Number, available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10064.html and Your Social Security Number and Card, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10002.html.