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Beware of Social Security scam
NAPS NEWS SYNDICATE
Calls 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.
Is it a scam?
The best way to protect yourself and your money is to recognize a scam. Scammers use intimidating language and often offer a “solution” to fix what they say is a serious problem with your Social Security number or account. How can you tell when it’s a scam? Social Security will not: ï Say your Social Security number has been suspended. ï Promise a Social Security benefit approval or increase in exchange for information. ï Call to demand an immediate payment. ï Insist you pay a debt without the ability to appeal the amount you owe. ï Require payment by retail gift card, pre-paid
debit card, Internet currency, wire transfer, or by mailing cash. ï Ask for your personal information.
Scammers prey on our fears. The stories they tell would scare anyone. No matter how horrible the story, if they do any of the above, it’s a scam. What should you do?
If you receive a suspicious call, the safest thing for you to do is: ï Hang up. ï Don’t share personal information or make a payment. ï Report the scam to the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.
And, if you receive such threats via e-mail, delete 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. Other tips
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.
SCAM STOPPER
Financial predators are alive, take steps to minimize damage and protect well and on the prowl, hoping to themselves. separate you from your money. Report it to their bank or credit institution Catfishing predators may claim if money was taken or information was shared. to be looking for romance. Here are Report it to the business or organization a few tips on how to avoid becoming involved. their next victim. Feel free to clip this Report it to the Better Business Bureau and tape it near your phone and/or at www.bbb.org/scamtracker/us. computer. Report it to the Federal Trade Commis> RED FLAGS INCLUDE CALLS, EMAILS OR LETTERS THAT: sion at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling (877) FTC-HELP. Find a list of current known scams and are unsolicited (you didn’t initiate contact) more information on avoiding scams, at are threatening in tone, promising scary www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alert. or embarrassing consequences for noncom- Find information on scams circulating pliance or locally on the Lewiston Police Department’s are euphoric in tone (great news, you Facebook page, where citizens also may sign won the lottery — we need your bank account up for news alerts. number to deposit your winnings) Ask door-to-door solicitors to show their request personal information licenses, and call the police if they don’t. request money — usually in the form of a prepaid debit or credit card carry an aggressive sense of urgency > BEWARE OF CATFISHERS LOOKING FOR “LOVE” > IF YOU SUSPECT YOU’RE BEING TARGETED BY A SCAMMER: Catfi shing is when someone fakes an online identity to scam victims for money, romance or physical harm. These predatory
DON’T online relationships can last for months or share any personal information even years. It’s catfi shing if ... send money They ask for money: An online friend
DO or romantic interest whom you’ve never met hang up the phone asks you to send money or provide your bank delete the email or information. shred the letter They won’t meet. Beware if the contact Check legitimacy of claims if desired, strings you along but avoids meeting in but not using a number supplied by the person. Some catfi shers agree to meet but caller. Instead, look the company up in the have an “emergency” — such as a canceled phone book or online. fl ight or a medical issue — that prevents it. Report the scam (more information Catfi shers often claim to be stationed follows). abroad or working on an oil rig as an > THINK YOU’VE BEEN TAKEN? excuse for not meeting. It’s a good idea to pay attention to details on bills and other fi nancial transactions; discrepancies can be a red fl ag for identity theft. But many fraudulent schemes currently circulating are sophisticated and able to trick even the most savvy. Anyone who Skyping is off limits, too. Catfi shers refuse to video chat. They seem too good to be true. Some people who catfi sh feel bad about themselves and often assume the online persona of a fashion model, actor, successful businessperson, etc. believes they’ve been contacted by a scam artist and/or fallen victim to a fraudulent scheme may … Report it to local police at (208) 7460171 in Lewiston, (509) 758-2331 in Clarkston, (208) 883-7054 in Moscow or (509) 334-0802 in Pullman. Police can alert the community to new scams and help victims > DON’T GET HOOKED Before meeting in person or providing any information about yourself, fact-check claims and verify online identities using Google and SocialCatfi sh.com. — Golden Times
Feeling overwhelmed? There’s help. (208) 398-HELP [4357] Call or text.
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