Preventing Fraud: Tips from Social Security
The Social Security Administration recently emailed those enrolled in the program with a scam alert, updating Americans on what people from the Social Security Administration will not do when it contacts people, along with tips to help detect and report scams.
Center’s Health Care has the details on that list of what officials won’t do along with tips to keep yourself and potentially others safe from scams.
What Will the Social Security Administration Never Do?
The government agency says that scammers try to trick people into taking action by causing fear and panic, requiring quick decisions in order to avoid severe penalties. But the SSA says that they will never do any of the following:
- Threaten to suspend your Social Security number
- Warn of arrest or legal action
- Demand of immediate payment, especially via gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, or by mailing cash
- Pressure you for personal information
- Threatens to seize your bank account or other assets
- Send pictures or documents in order to gain your trust
Ways to Protect Yourself and Others From a Scam
The first thing that you should do if you feel that you are on with someone suspicious is to remain calm. Even if you start to feel pressured or threatened, do not provide anyone with money or personal information.
Next, you should end the call or simply hang up. If you’re worried that the call may be legitimate, you can then call the Social Security office at 1-800-772-1213 to verify if they were trying to contact you.
If the call was not legitimate, you can report the attempted scam to the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
You can utilize social media to stay informed and help make a difference. Follow the OIG on Facebook here to stay up-to-date on any new scams that may crop up, and you’re also encouraged to post details of scam calls, texts, or emails that you may receive in order to spread the world and help warn others.
