Fraud is a reality in a context where government transactions are becoming increasingly digital. This can be a positive development for some scammers, as criminals continue to pose as Social Security and other government agency personnel in an attempt to obtain personal information or money. And as usual, every year the Social Security Administration (SSA) announces its cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in October to prevent benefits from losing purchasing power due to inflation.
Scammers: may even use the name of someone who actually works there and send a photo or attachment as ‘proof’
The SSA warns against this type of fraud. Scammers may call, write, email, text, or post on social media claiming to be from the Social Security Administration or the Office of the Inspector General. They may even use the name of someone who actually works there and send a photo or attachment as ‘proof’. This is explained on the website. With the Social Security Administration’s annual COLA announcement this month, scammers are gearing up to try to steal beneficiaries’ money.
The theft of personal data is also serious, as they can use our data for criminal purposes or attack our bank accounts, fund accounts, retirement accounts…
Beneficiaries should keep in mind that they should never respond or give money or make transfers to third parties. In other words, the Social Security Administration (SSA) never sends emails to beneficiaries. The only way they communicate is through formal letters, and these never come from email addresses outside the .gov domain. Sources must always be official, not just appear to be. The annual COLA increase is automatically applied to benefits, but that doesn’t stop scammers from taking advantage of the opportunity to steal beneficiaries’ money and personal information. Remember that the theft of personal data is also serious, as they can use our data for criminal purposes or attack our bank accounts, fund accounts, retirement accounts, savings accounts, etc.
There are many types of scams, as the SSA explains. On one hand, scammers pretend to be from an agency or organization you know to gain your trust. They often claim there’s a problem or a prize. Once they have the person’s attention, the scammers pressure you to act immediately. These individuals then often claim you have to pay in a specific way, and that’s when many of their victims tend to fall for it. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued a warning of red flags that Social Security recipients and their loved ones should be on the lookout for.
If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record, Social Security typically sends a letter by mail
The SSA explains the authorities’ approach. Social Security employees communicate with the public by telephone for business purposes. The agency typically calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit, are already receiving payments and need to update their record, or who have requested a phone call from the agency. If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record, Social Security typically sends a letter by mail. The SSA also warns that the government will never threaten the beneficiary.
Some of the scammers’ tactics include threats that the SSA would never make, such as suspending your Social Security number. You won’t be pressured to take immediate action, including sharing your personal information; you won’t be asked to pay with gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrencies, or cash through the mail; under no circumstances will they threaten to seize your bank account, much less offer to move your money to a “protected” bank account. Therefore, if you suspect fraud, turn to official sources, ask your children, neighbors, and friends, and don’t provide personal information through unreliable channels.
