If you’re worried about Social Security scams, it would be a great choice to get advice from trusted sources, like-
- the Social Security Administration or
- a Social Security attorney in Orlando.
These scams are becoming really common. So, it is advisable and important to stay alert. Protect your personal and financial information.
In 2023 alone, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) got over 27,000 reports of scam attempts, with more than $72 million lost.
Most of these scams involved people pretending to be from the Social Security Administration.
All you need is learn is how to spot these scams. It helps you better protect yourself and avoid becoming a victim.
Common Social Security Scams
More and more Social Security scams are happening every day. They can be dangerous.
Scammers pretend to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to trick you into giving them personal or financial information.
Here are some common scams to watch out for:
Phone Scams:
What happens is you get a surprise call from someone claiming to be from the SSA. They threaten you with arrest or legal trouble and ask for personal information like your Social Security number or bank details.
Email Scams (Phishing):
These are fake emails that look like they’re from the SSA. They often ask you to click on a link or give out your personal or financial information.
Benefit Payment Scams:
In this scam, someone tries to steal your Social Security payments by changing where the money gets sent.
Scam Tactics to Watch For
Scammers often try to scare you into acting quickly. They trick you by saying you owe money and demand immediate payment through gift cards or wire transfers, both of which are hard to trace.
They might even threaten you with arrest or legal trouble to make you panic.
Sometimes, scammers ask for your Social Security number over the phone or in an email.
| Keep in mind, real government agencies almost never ask for this kind of private information that way. |
Scammers can also make it look like they’re calling from the official Social Security number, even though they’re not. And no real government agent will ever send you photos of badges or IDs to try to force you to pay.
If you’re unsure or want help spotting these scams, talking to an Orlando Social Security disability attorney can be a smart way to protect yourself.
How to Avoid a Scam?
If you think someone might be trying to scam you, here are some easy steps to protect yourself:
- If you get a message that makes you feel scared or panicked, stop and take a deep breath. Talk to someone you trust before doing anything, for example, a law firm for disability.
- Hang up on suspicious phone calls, and don’t reply to strange texts or emails.
- Never click on links or open attachments from people you don’t know.
Be careful about sharing personal information, especially things like your Social Security number or bank details. Only give out that info if you’re 100% sure the person is legitimate.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Targeted
If you think a scammer has contacted you, act fast:
- Report it to the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General right away. This helps stop scammers from tricking other people.
- If you gave out your Social Security number, place a fraud alert on your credit reports to help protect yourself from identity theft.
- Keep a close eye on your bank accounts and benefits statements. Look out for anything unusual.
Taking quick action can help stop the scammer and limit the damage.
