Social Security Scams

You use your Social Security number for your identity, to get a job, and to apply for Medicare and Social Security as you become older. Unfortunately though, there are a lot of Social Security scams. Here are some of the most common ones related to Social Security and how to “bust their cover.”

Don't Trust the Letterhead

This is probably obvious, but just because a piece of paper says Social Security or has government symbols in its letterhead, that doesn't guarantee it's authentic. Every year consumer organizations get complaints of direct mailings that appear to be from the Social Security Administration, but aren't.

How It Works

In one such scam, the letter offers to provide the consumer a service like obtaining a Social Security number for a newborn, notifying Social Security of name changes for newly married persons, or obtaining personal earnings and benefit estimate statements for a fee.

These services are actually already provided by the Social Security Administration, free of charge. Sometimes these companies just want the fees (so you'd only lose money), but sometimes they try to steal your identity as well!

Self Defense

Throw out the letter and contact Social Security directly by phone, at 800-441-2555 or visit their website.

Getting an Extra Social Security Check

In another direct-mail scam, one that targets seniors, the letter offers its recipient an extra Social Security check. All you have to do is send a filing fee.

How It Works

The letter will ask you for money, for your bank account information, or for your Social Security number to help with the application. This is an attempt to steal your money, and usually your identity, by getting your personal information.

Self Defense

The Social Security Administration does not ask you to send them your Social Security number to get a check because they already know it. People who get Social Security do receive legitimate mail from the Social Security Administration (SSA) when their benefits increase, or they can get a statement on taxes paid and future benefits due. Editor’s Note: They also receive official mail from CMS (Centers for Medicare Services). CMS is a legally authorized agent for the Social Security Administration. CMS usually handles administrative functions for SSA.

Important: Be suspicious of any letter that asks for money or for you to send personal information back. Shred such letters or send them to the Social Security Administration for investigation.

A New & Better Social Security Card

Likewise, consumers should be very wary of phone solicitations that ask for personal information for Social Security purposes. Last year a Pittsburgh paper reported on a scam in which seniors contacted by phone were told they were required to get a new Social Security card.

How It Works

The caller asked for Social Security and bank account numbers to help process their requests. "This is purely an attempt to obtain your Social Security number and other information for the purpose of stealing your identity," Pennsylvania State Attorney, General Tom Corbett, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Self Defense

If you get a call like this, hang up the phone. If you fall for the scam, immediately contact your bank and advise them of what has happened. You should also ask the three credit-reporting bureaus to place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your account. Those bureaus are:

• Equifax, 800-997-2493
• Experian, 888-397-3742
• TransUnion, 800-916-8800

The Tax Refund Scam

In this scam, a Social Security recipient is told they can get help in preparing their tax return and promised they will get a refund.

How It Works

This may sound innocent enough because many communities have legitimate programs like this where trained volunteers prepare taxes for low-income or elderly individuals, but in this case the taxpayer gets fleeced. Here's what happens:

• The victim is told to get the last three year's worth of 1099 statements from Social Security. By law, the Social Security Administration must provide the statements, even if they suspect a scam.
• Using the statements, the scam artist prepares three years worth of tax returns for a fee. He incorrectly reports these three years of Social Security benefits, claims the standard deduction, and creates a bogus refund amount.
• The taxpayer files the faulty return and sometimes receives her tax refund. Later, the IRS discovers the error and the taxpayer is forced to pay the money back, along with interest and penalties.
• Meanwhile, the tax preparer has skipped town with the $40 to $100 fee charged for their "service."

Self Defense

The Social Security Administration is warning all taxpayers requesting their 1099 statements to look out for this faulty tax preparation scam. If you have any doubts, contact a second tax professional for advice.