Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers | January 3, 2020 | Social Security Disability
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has issued an urgent alert to citizens regarding an alarming increase in Social Security phone scams.
According to Andrew Saul, SSA commissioner, Social Security phone scams “harm vulnerable Americans and erode public trust in Social Security.” Saul noted that “Our programs require the public to interact with us, and we cannot afford to have fraud affect that communication.”
The advisory, which was issued in a newsletter aimed at Social Security disability lawyers and advocates, contains helpful reminders for citizens targeted by these scams.
How to Protect Yourself from Social Security Phone Scams
***If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to represent the Social Security Administration who says that there is a problem with your Social Security Number or account, follow these steps:
- HANG UP!
- DO NOT provide the caller with money — cash, gift cards, wire transfers, or pre-paid debit cards — or personal information
- REPORT the call to the Social Security Administration at oig.ssa.gov
Remember, the Social Security Administration will never:
- Threaten you
- Tell you that your SSN has been or may be suspended
- Demand immediate payment
- Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone
- Ask for payment via pre-paid debit card, gift card, wire transfer, or cash
- Demand you pay a debt without the option to appeal
- Promise a specific Social Security benefit in exchange for money or personal information
- Request personal or financial information through email, text message, or social media
The Social Security disability lawyers at Riddle & Riddle encourage you to spread the news about these scams and take steps to ensure you and your loved ones’ personal and financial information remains safe.
If we can help you file an application for disability benefits, or appeal a previous denial, please call 1-800-525-7111. We would love to help if we can.
Safety Counts.
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