social security scams Archives - Social Security Disability Advocates

New Threats to Watch: Social Security Scam Updates

By Social Security Disability Advocates | January 28, 2020 | Comments 0 Comment

The new social security fake documents scams are underway. SSDA USA is here with helpful tips on how to keep an eye out.

Millions of people depend on social security benefits every day. It’s no surprise, then, that social security benefits are a hot target for scammers. There are many ways someone could scam a person into losing money, but social security beneficiaries, in particular, need to be mindful of a new, deceptive tactic. Social Security Disability Advocates USA is here to help you stay on the lookout.

How Do Scammers Operate?

Scammers contact victims through a variety of media, but there is one common thread among all scammers: They want to steal your information and money. It’s as simple as that.

Typically, scammers may contact you saying they need you to verify some personal information, such as your phone number, credit card number, or even your social security number.

Additionally, some brazen scammers will threaten victims with arrest, suspension of social security number (which is a made up idea), cancellation of social security benefits, etc. The idea is to scare the victim into compliance. And such tactics often work.

Previously, many scammers operated by using robocalls, or recordings that instructed victims to give out identifying information. The calls included warnings claiming that the victim’s social security number was associated with criminal activity and needed to be validated to ensure a clean record.

Now, however, scammers have stepped up their game and are employing new tactics to prey upon the innocent.

What Is the New Scam?

The new method is known as social security fake documents scams. That’s right. Scammers are now sending fake letters and emails to victims that appear to be from the Social Security Administration or from the Social Security Office of the Inspector General (OIG).

Such documents may have copies of the official SSA logo and other markers that may mislead the victim to believe the document is legitimate. However, keep in mind that these documents may contain grammatical errors, and are therefore a sign of fraudulent undertakings.

Additionally, remember the following points so you can distinguish genuine SSA contact from scammers:

The SSA will never threaten you if you refuse to pay a fine/fee
The SSA will never inform you of a social security number suspension—such a phenomenon doesn’t exist
A social security worker will never ask for your social security number over the phone
Social security workers will never ask for debit card, credit card, or other payment information over the phone
Social security workers will never promise a benefits increase in exchange for cooperating with payment

What Should I Do?

If you believe you are the victim of a social security fake documents scam, there are steps you can take to remedy the situation.

If you believe a phone call is suspicious, HANG UP. Report the call to the genuine Social Security Administration number by calling 1 (800) 772-1213
Do NOT click on any links in suspicious social security emails
Never give away personal information in suspicious phone calls or emails
Contact your local law enforcement agency and report the suspicious activity

Concerned About Social Security Fake Documents Scams?

Contact the SSA directly if you are concerned about a social security scam. If you have questions about filing for or appealing a denial for social security disability benefits, then contact us. We know that social security benefits are crucial for many Americans, and it’s natural to be concerned that you’re receiving the correct amount.

At Social Security Disability Advocates USA, we offer free consultations. Call us anytime at (602) 952-3200, or chat with us online through our LiveChat feature or an online contact form.

This is attorney advertising. SSDA, LLC is a group of attorneys that pursues claims for Social Security Disability benefits on behalf of its clients against the Social Security Administration. SSDA, LLC is in no way a part of the Social Security Administration. Further, the information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a representative-client relationship.

Look Out for the Latest Spoofer Social Security Scams

By SSDA USA | November 8, 2018

Phishing scams are evolving! Usually, a scammer who phishes for information tricks the victim into entering personal information – such as credit card numbers, usernames, passwords, etc. – on a fraudulent website that looks and feels genuine. However, earlier this October, the Acting Inspector General of Social Security warned against a new and prevalent type of scam: spoofing.

What is Spoofing?

Spoofing is the malicious and fraudulent practice of sending communications from an unknown and suspicious source that is disguised as a source the receiver may know.

Essentially, people will receive a phone call that looks like it is from 800-772-1213. That is the authentic number for the Social Security Administration, but the call is not coming from the SSA. In fact, it could be coming from anywhere in the world. The scammers then take advantage of primarily the elderly and non-English speaking and pretend to work for the SSA. The scammers say that they don’t have all your information, e.g. your Social Security number, on file, or that they need more information to increase your benefit payment. In addition, such scammers may threaten to cancel benefits if you refuse to confirm the information they ask for.

In addition to this, RoboScams do just the same thing – just with a pre-recorded or synthesized voice, not an actual person. Both forms of scamming are prevalent, so be careful!

One man in Mercer County lost $2,200. An Austintown woman lost $13,000 to social security scams. Do not fall for these calls! Remember, Social Security employees will never threaten you, and they will never offer a raise in benefits for an exchange of information.

How Do I Avoid Social Security Scams?

There are a few things you can do to prevent being the victim of such scams.

First, list your phone with the do-not-call registry. This will reduce the number of calls you receive from scammers and telemarketers.
Next, sign up for your phone provider’s robocall alert service. Such a service notifies you that an incoming call may be spam or coming from a scammer.
Third, download a call-blocking app. There are many free apps along with some you must pay for monthly that can intercept and reject robocalls before the call even reaches you.

What Do I Do if I am a Victim?

Of course, even after taking the necessary precautions, you still may receive phone calls from scammers trying to steal your information. The bottom line is this: if you receive a call that appears to be from the SSA but seems suspicious, hang up. The FCC recommends that you call 800-772-1213 (yes, the actual number for the SSA) and report the spoofing call. In addition, you can report the call on the SSA website. If you’ve already fallen prey to a scammer, contact the SSA immediately.

Have Further Questions About Social Security?

If you have any more questions about social security, Social Security Disability Advocates is here to help. You can reach us 24/7 at 602-952-3200. If you wish to contact us online, visit our website and check out our LiveChat feature.

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602.952.3200