The world is full of untrustworthy people.
It seems as if con artists are always coming up with new scams.
One favored tactic is fear.
One scam involved scammers posing as callers from the IRS.
This was traced to India and many were arrested.
According to a recent Forbes article “Beat The Latest Scams to Steal Your Identity and Social Security Benefits,” a new popular scam involves Social Security.
People of any age may been targeted.
My 27-year-old daughter has even received these phone calls.
She told me that, because she reads these blogs, she was able to recognize red flags.
What are some of these red flags?
The phone call says the Social Security number of the recipient has been suspended because of fraudulent activity and immediate action must be taken.
The caller will ask the victim to give his or her Social Security number so the caller can confirm the identity of the victim.
Sometimes this comes in email form with a link.
Neither is legitimate.
The goal is simply to get your Social Security number and other important personal information.
The caller may also ask for gift cards.
Do not offer any requested information.
Why?
The Social Security Administration will never inform you of irregular issues over the phone.
According to the Social Security Administration and the Federal Trade Commission, any official correspondence regarding issues will be through a letter.
You will only receive emails to ask you to review benefits.
And this only happens if you have signed up with a “my Social Security” account on the official government website.
What should you do if you receive a suspicious call or email?
Do not click on the link.
Do not give your Social Security number online.
Instead go to the official website and check your history on your own computer.
You also can call the local Social Security office or its national 800-number, which is 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
Remember, emails and phone numbers can be spoofed.
Yikes!
Some scammers may find out your Social Security number.
With this information, the scammer may create a “my Social Security” account and change your address or financial account information.
If you do not already have an account, it may be wise to do so even if you are not yet ready to receive benefits.
With this account, you can review your earning history, your benefits, and see if someone has tried to change your information, or apply for you benefits.
You should log in regularly to review your account.
Take steps to protect yourself.
Educate your loved ones so they do not fall victim to these scammers.
There are dishonest people out there who cannot be trusted.
Reference: Forbes (August 14, 2019) “Beat The Latest Scams to Steal Your Identity and Social Security Benefits.”
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