Skip to main content

IS SOCIAL SECURITY CALLING YOU? OR IS IT A SCAM CALL?

 If you get a call from someone claiming to be Social Security--and you have not filed an application or initiated some contact with Social Security--it is more than likely a scam call.

Social Security does not routinely conduct business by phone unless you have some ongoing business with them, like an application for benefits.

There are several scams going around in which someone calls saying they are with Social Security.

They may say there is suspicious activity with your Social Security number.  Always a scam.

They might say that illegal activity has been detected with your Social Security number or account.  Always a scam.

They sometimes tell you that your Social Security number or account is being "frozen" and you need to take action.  Always a scam.

These phony callers are often fishing for your SSN, date of birth, address or bank information.  They may promise you extra benefits, more money or some other benefit to entice you to provide information.  Don't fall for it.

What To Do If You Suspect You Are Getting a Scam CAll

1.  Do not provide any personal identifying information.  If it really is Social Security calling, they already have your Social Security number.  Do not provide it. Do not give your birthday or address.

2.  Ask where the caller is calling from (city and state).  

3.  Ask the caller for the Social Security number they are calling about.  If they can't provide it, it is NOT the Social Security Administration calling.

4.  State frankly that you are suspicious of the call.  Tell the caller you will hang up and call your local Social Security office.  A legitimate Social Security employee will NOT try to pressure you into speaking to them.

5. Hang up.  

6.  Do NOT call a number provided by the suspicious caller.  Look up the number for your local Social Security office on your own and call that number.  Provide your Social Security number and other information ONLY after you are certain who you are talking to.

Remember that Social Security usually does business by US mail, not by phone (unless you have initiated business with them recently).

 


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

MEETING SOCIAL SECURITY'S DURATION REQUIREMENT FOR DISABILITY

SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, requires a severe impairment which has lasted for at least 12 straight months, is expected to last at least 12 straight months OR is expected to end in death. This 12 consecutive months requirement is called the "Duration Requirement."  Disabilities with a duration of less than 1 year are not covered under the Social Security Act. You do not have to wait 12 months to file a claim. There is no requirement to wait 12 months to file.  But if your disability has not already last for at least 12 months, the nature of the impairment must be such that is can reasonably be expected to last 12 months or longer OR to end in death.  Short term impairments are not covered. What you will need to document for your medical and/or mental impairment(s):   A claimant will require objective medical proof.  This comes in the form of official medical records from doctors, clinics, hospitals, counselors, therapists and other professiona...
Post a Comment
Read more

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS FOR DOWNS SYNDROME

Downs Syndrome may qualify for automatic SSI disability in children. A child with Translocation Syndrome or Trisomy 21 will usually be classified as disabled from birth. This type of syndrome affects about 98 percent of the Downs Syndrome population. Social Security will want a diagnosis from a medically acceptable source and they will want certain tests.Once the documentation is presented, an SSI award may be automatic.  Those with Mosaic Down syndrome may qualify, but your child would need more than a diagnosis to be approved. Because [according to SSA] people with Mosaic Down syndrome may not have as many intellectual or physical disabilities as those with other forms of Down syndrome, you’ll need to meet another listing in the Blue Book to qualify. Social Security will consider the complications or manifestations of Downs Syndrome in making a decision. If the claimant is a child (under 18), k eep in mind that SSI is a needs-based program for families with limited resources...
Post a Comment
Read more

A DISABILITY DENIAL IS NOT THE END OF YOUR CASE

By Charles W. Forsythe The Forsythe Firm Social Security denies a lot of applications.  It's expected.  But it's not the end. The good news is:  You can probably win your case on appeal and get paid benefits.  It just takes a bit longer. About 8 out of 10 new disability claims will be routinely denied.  So, it's rather unusual to be approved just by filing an application. An appeal sounds like a last resort or tricky legal maneuver.  It's really quite common--almost  normal--in a Social Security disability case. 8 out 10 claims will be appealed at least once, often twice, before they are paid. The process that pays Social Security disability is not the application, it's the appeal process. Many claimants who don't understand the importance of appeals give up after the first denial.  A serious mistake.  You odds get better in appeals. TIME LIMIT ON APPEALS.  All unfavorable Social Security decisions must be appealed within 60 days.  ...
Post a Comment
Read more