Social Security scams on the Treasure Coast have become more sophisticated. Scammers are aware that people are catching on to their attempts, so they are coming up with new, unexpected ways to convince Social Security beneficiaries that their intentions are honest and legitimate. Here are five things to look for to help you detect Social Security scam attempts.
Threatening arrest or legal action: If you receive a phone call from the “Social Security Administration” and they are threatening to arrest you, sue you, or suspend your Social Security account, it is a scam. The SSA will never threaten you with arrest or legal action if you don’t pay a fine or fee.
Emails or text messages requesting personal information: If you receive an email or text message from the “Social Security Administration” asking you to provide them with personal information, such as your Social Security number, it is a scam. The SSA will never contact you via email or text message; they will always send an official letter via the mail to notify you of potential issues.
*Beware that scammers are becoming more sophisticated. Even if you receive an email from an email address with “ssa” in the name, it is highly likely to be fraudulent. If you have any doubts, always call the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213.
Requests for payment by gift card, pre-paid card, cash, or wire transfer: If you receive a call from the “Social Security Administration” asking you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash, it is a scam. The SSA will mail a letter with payment instructions and options. Scammers ask for payment this way because it is difficult to trace and recover.
Misspellings and grammar mistakes: If you receive an email or text from the “Social Security Administration” with words misspelled or grammatical errors, it is a scam. Even if the correspondence has letterhead or branding that looks official, scammers create falsified documents that look like the SSA, but there will always be clear differences. Again, if you have any doubts, always call the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213.
Offers to increase benefits in exchange for payment: If you receive a call from the “Social Security Administration” offering you the opportunity to increase your benefits amount in exchange for payment, it is a scam. SSA employees will never promise to increase your Social Security benefits in exchange for one-time fee, monthly fee, or any other form of payment.