Don’t fall for latest Social Security scam amid coronavirus, inspector general warns
The Inspector General’s office is warning people not to fall for a scam that threatens to shut down a person’s Social Security benefits due to coronavirus.
People have reported they are getting fraudulent letters threatening a suspension of their benefits because of COVID-19-related office closures, the Inspector General of Social Security, Gail Ennis, said in a press release. The Social Security Administration will not suspend or discontinue benefits because their offices are closed.
The fake letters tell Social Security beneficiaries to call a phone number to ensure they get their benefits. The scammers then try to mislead callers into giving out personal information or payments via retail gift cards, wire transfers, internet currency or by mailing cash.
“Any communication you receive that says SSA will do so is a scam, whether you receive it by letter, text, email or phone call,” the Inspector General’s office said in a press release.
Social Security will never:
- Threaten you with benefit suspension, arrest or other legal action unless you pay a fine or fee.
- Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
- Require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency or prepaid debit card.
- Demand secrecy from you in handling a Social Security-related problem.
- Send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email.
If you receive a letter, text, call or email that you believe to be suspicious, about an alleged problem with your Social Security number, account or payments, hang up or do not respond, the Inspector General’s office said. People can report Social Security scams using a dedicated online form.
Fort Worth area consumers and others are being targeted by scammers who are using the coronavirus pandemic to gain personal information, authorities have cautioned.
The Federal Trade Commission has warned consumers about other coronavirus-related scams and offered advice on how to avoid being scammed, such as hanging up on robo-calls and reporting suspicious communications.
This story was originally published April 15, 2020 at 11:59 AM.
