Social Security’s Inspector General Gail Ennis recently issued a warning to the public about a new scam that focuses on stealing Social Security benefits and obtaining personal information all centered on the Coronavirus outbreak. Below is a description from the Inspector General’s office about the latest scam where fraudulent letters are being sent out threatening the suspension of Social Security benefits.
The Social Security Office of the Inspector General has received reports that Social Security beneficiaries have received letters through the U.S. Mail stating their payments will be suspended or discontinued unless they call a phone number referenced in the letter. Scammers may then mislead beneficiaries into providing personal information or payment via retail gift cards, wire transfers, internet currency, or by mailing cash, to maintain regular benefit payments during this period of COVID-19 office closures.
Unfortunately anytime there is crisis scammers are going to attempt to prey on individuals for their own financial gain. It is important to remember certain facts about Social Security. Below is a list the inspector general has issued to help protect customers.
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; or
- 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. We encourage you to report Social Security scams using our dedicated online form, at https://oig.ssa.gov. Please share this information with your friends and family, to help spread awareness about Social Security scams.
