Social security fraud abounds. Watch out for this.

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Benjamin Franklin as known as nothing is safe but death and tax . To that he could have added social security scams. "data-reaction time =" 11 "> Benjamin Franklin famously said that nothing is safe, but death and treasure. To this he could have added social security scams.

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) ̵[ads1]1; sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Scammers have long called [recipientsofsocialsecurity and states that their social security number is suspended for criminal or fraudulent activity – and that the government is taking action against them. The action ranges from an arrest warrant to an active lawsuit. "Data-reactid =" 12 "> Fraudsters have long been calling for social security recipients and reports that their social security numbers are suspended for criminal or fraudulent activity – and that the government is taking action against them. The action varies from an arrest warrant to an active lawsuit.

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PICTURE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES. 19659007] To end this supposed action, victims are told to call another number. When they do, people who run scams will ask them to pay a fine (often through gift cards). They will also be asked for personal information, such as bank account numbers, date of birth, and so on. If they deliver it, scammers can use it to withdraw money from their accounts.

With a social security number and a date of birth, it is even possible to sign up for benefits (if the legitimate social security account holder does not yet have) or, if they have, redirect benefits to another address and bank account. Scam artists can simply contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) and ask to change the address or bank account. The first indication the rightful recipient would have is the error in their benefits to arrive.

<h2 class = "canvas-atom canvas text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – a new spin " data-response time = "27"> A new spin

<p class = "canvas text" 1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm "type =" text "content =" But a new wrinkle in this venerable scam was recently reported . A call is told that their social security number has been suspended for not their own actions, but for more general "suspicious activity." "data-reactid =" 28 "> But a new wrinkle in this venerable scam was recently reported, receiving recipients of a call that their social security number was suspended for non-own actions, but for more general" suspicious activity ". [19659009] Instead of being given another number to call, the victims are told that just press 1, and they will be associated with a social security agent, instead they are linked to a fraudulent agent who can ask them to confirm When they have confirmed it, the scammer has it. Fines and bank account numbers are also part of this

<h2 class = "canvas-text-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8 em) – sm "type = Seniors are goals Seniors are goals " data-reactid = "30"> Older citizens are goals

Unfortunately, social security failure is too often committed to older residents. Most senior citizens rely on social security for at least a portion of their income, and many rely on it for a significant percentage of it. They can be very afraid of a possible suspension of the number and thus the advantage.

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Older citizens often do not understand how easy It is to emulate yet another agency by the US government, formerly fraudsters have set up 202 area code phone numbers (the one used in Washington, DC) and email accounts with ssa.gov as part of the address – which is part of SSA's actual online address. They have set up false SSA sites that look very convincing. "data-response time =" 32 "> Seniors also often do not realize how easy it is to imitate even an agency in the US government. Lately, scam artists have set up phone numbers with 202 area codes (the one used in Washington, D.C.) and email accounts with ssa.gov as part of the address – which is part of the SSA's online URL. They have set up fake SSA sites that look very convincing.

This time of year can be a third wrinkle. Tax returns, refunds and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), another federal agency, are in the minds of many people's computers and mailboxes. Older citizens and the rest of the population may be more likely to believe that someone from the US government is actually contacting them for suspicious activity during this period than anyone else.

<h2 class = "canvas-text text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = " Take precautions if you are contacted "data-reactid =" 34 "> Take precautions if you are contacted

It is important not to respond if someone contacts you and says they are from SSA by phone or email. Instead, take three precautions.

<h2 class = "canvas component canvas text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = " 1. Know the SSA guidelines " Data Reaction = "36"> 1. Know the SSA's Policy

In general, SSA and its agents will not suddenly call or email anyone. SSA, as the IRS, communicates with letters. It may even call or email to follow up on a problem, but the original contact comes with the letter.

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