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Elder Law Tips: Official Social Security Scam Alert

elder law tips social security scam

Elder Law Tips: Be on the lookout for an email from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

One of our important elder law tips is that if you are a senior… please be on the alert for suspicious phone calls, texts and emails. Scammers are always trolling for seniors who may have issues with mental alertness and memory, and they use fear tactics designed to confuse.

Seniors across the country who have provided the Social Security Administration with their email address have been receiving a scam alert email. This is an authentic warning from the SSA. When the SSA finds it necessary to send out an alert you know things have gotten pretty bad. This means that record numbers of seniors are being scammed.

Scammers are very creative, so you have to be on your guard. Many people screen their calls, which is a good idea. Many cell providers have initiated an automatic program that identifies calls as potential scams and marketing calls. If you have caller ID, the best policy is not to answer any call from a number that is not in your contact list. If the call is important, that person will leave a message. But beware, scammers often do leave messages that sound important and ignite fear.

If you did not see an email from the SSA, I’ve reposted the important message below. If you have a senior in your family or in your care, please make them aware of the danger of answering calls from unknown numbers.

Protect Yourself From Social Security Scams

Scammers are pretending to be government employees. Scammers will try to scare you and trick you into giving them your personal information and money. They may threaten you or your family and may demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or other legal action.

DON’T BE FOOLED! IF YOU RECEIVE A SUSPICIOUS CALL:

  1. Hang up!
  2. DO NOT give them money or personal information!
  3. Report the scam at OIG.SSA.GOV!

What To Look Out For

  • The call or email says there is a problem with your Social Security Number or account.
  • Someone asking you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash.
  • Scammers pretend they’re from Social Security or another government agency. Caller ID or documents sent by email may look official but they are not.
  • Callers threaten you with arrest or other legal action.

Social Security may call you in some situations but will never:

  • Threaten you
  • Suspend your Social Security Number
  • Demand immediate payment from you
  • Require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, or wire transfer
  • Ask for gift card numbers over the phone or to wire or mail cash

Protect yourself, friends and family!

  • If you receive a questionable call, hang up and report it at oig.ssa.gov
  • Don’t be embarrassed to report financial loss or sharing information
  • Learn more at oig.ssa.gov
  • Share this information with others

   

Looking to find an experienced estate lawyer in the Georgia area who is skilled in asset protection and estate plan preparation? Shannon Pawley is an attorney in Georgia with expertise in estate planning and asset protection. Shannon can provide assistance with creating an estate plan to include making a will and how to establish a trust properly. If you have questions about asset protection or questions about making an estate plan, reach out to Shannon and she will be glad to help answer all the estate planning questions you might have!

 
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