Beware of Social Security scam
C
NAPS NEWS SYNDICATE
alls and e-mails from scammers pretending to be government employees are widespread. Social Security phone scams are the No. 1 scam reported to the Federal Trade Commission. Chances are you, a friend, or a family member have received a call like this. Victims need not be receiving benefits to become a target. A common ploy is a caller claiming there is a problem with a target’s Social Security number or account. Every American — regardless of age, income and geography — is at risk. Scammers will try to scare and trick potential targets into giving out their personal information or money.
SOLUTION, Page 11
debit card, Internet currency, wire transfer, or by The best way to protect yourself and your money is mailing cash. ï Ask for your personal to recognize a scam. Scaminformation. mers use intimidating Scammers prey on our language and often offer a fears. The stories they tell “solution” to fix what they would scare anyone. No say is a serious problem with matter how horrible the your Social Security numstory, if they do any of the ber or account. How can above, it’s a scam. you tell when it’s a scam? What should you do? Social Security will not: ï Say your Social SeIf you receive a suspicurity number has been cious call, the safest thing suspended. for you to do is: ï Promise a Social Seï Hang up. curity benefit approval or ï Don’t share personal increase in exchange for information or make information. a payment. ï Call to demand an ï Report the scam to the immediate payment. Social Security Administraï Insist you pay a debt tion’s Office of the Inspecwithout the ability to aptor General at oig.ssa.gov. peal the amount you owe. And, if you receive such ï Require payment by threats via e-mail, delete retail gift card, pre-paid the e-mail and do not click on any links or download any attachments. Even if the e-mail or an attachment contains Social Security’s seal or names of real people, ignore it. Then, report the scam.
Is it a scam?
Other tips
35 35
What if Social Security really needs to contact you? Generally, they will mail a letter and only call by phone if a client has requested a call or has ongoing business with them. Usually, Social Security will mail clients a letter that contains telephone numbers for contacting them. Clients also may contact Social Security by calling (800) 7721213 or visiting SSA.gov. Anyone who thinks they may have been scammed, shouldn’t be embarrassed, according to officials. They recommend reporting scams to Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov and sharing this important information with family and friends.
% YOUR FIRST THREE MONTHS OFF
FOLLOWING MOVE-IN
NOW ACCEPTING NEW
YOUR FIRST THREE MONTHS % OCCUPANTS, CALL TODAY TO OFF
FOLLOWING MOVE-IN
SCHEDULE A TOUR! NOW ACCEPTING NEW
OCCUPANTS, CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A TOUR!
509.758.5260 | www.egeral.com 1215 Evergreen Court, Clarkston, WA 12
509.758.5260 | www.egeral.com 1215 Evergreen Court, Clarkston, WA
GOLDEN TIMES
M O N D A Y, N O V E M B E R 2 , 2 0 2 0
