Approximately 70 million Americans rely on Social Security as their primary source of income and recently, the government has issued an urgent warning. The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has noted that fraudsters are now using extremely realistic tricks to try and steal people’s personal information as well as their money.
Scammers are sending out letters that look real and official and are using the names of real SSA employees to try and convince Social Security recipients. The government is urging the public to remain alert and vigilant.
Why This Warning Is Being Taken So Seriously
It’s important to remember that Social Security scams have been around, however, recently, these scammers are using new tactics and are becoming more dangerous.
- These scammers send out letters that look exactly like one that would come from the SSA.
- They use real employee details and names
- Creating emails and texts that mimic government style
- Unfortunately, they are targeting the senior population who rely on Social Security the most
Scammers take advantage of the fact that the older Americans rely on Social Security benefits and would act quickly to protect their benefits if they are threatened.
The recipients, their relatives, carers, and anybody else who assists with financial management are all intended to be protected by this new warning.
How These Scams Usually Work
- Fake Letters That Look Real
Scammers send out fake letters that might say:
- Your benefits will stop unless you respond
- They may tell you that your Social Security number was involved in suspicious activity
- You need to confirm your banking details
- You need to pay a fee to receive your benefits
It’s rather unfortunate that these letters look real and people may fall for them.
- Calls Pretending to Be the SSA
These scammers will also call from a number that looks official and they will sound professional. They will try to trick you by saying that your benefits are at risk.
- Threats and Scare Tactics
They use threats such as:
- “You will be arrested” or “Your benefits are being suspended right now.”
The real SSA never threatens people like this.
- Requests for Payment
A major red flag is when someone asks you to pay money. Scammers usually demand payments through gift cards or cryptocurrency. The government will never demand payment in this manner.
What the SSA Will NEVER Ask You To Do
The SSA will never:
- Suspend your Social Security number
- Ask
for gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers
- Threaten you with jail or legal action
How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Below are a few steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Make sure you verify all information received before taking any action. If you are unsure, call the official SSA number. Do not click on any link stipulated in the mail or call any number.
- Make sure you keep all your personal information safe and private.
- Be sure to look out for any suspicious activity or red flags.
- Spread the message to family and friends to be careful and alert.
Why This Warning Matters Right Now
As the cost of living continues to increase, there are more people relying on Social Security as their primary financial source. Scammers are using this to their advantage because they know that people will act quickly to protect their Social Security benefits.
Final Thoughts
Millions of Americans rely on Social Security and fraudsters take advantage of this. The government has issued a warning for beneficiaries to be aware and cautious of any letters or mails that they receive. Always take a minute to check and review the information before making any decision.
If you feel as if something isn’t right, it probably isn’t. Contact the SSA to verify.