Signal Tribune Newspaper

During this holiday season, seniors need to be especially cautious about giving out information over the telephone and through e-mail. “Along with delivering good cheer and best wishes, scam artists may try to prey on trusting seniors to get personal and financial information,” said Social Security Regional Communications Director Leslie Walker.
The agency has received reports of telephone scams where seniors were told they would lose benefits, or not get their annual cost-of-living increase, unless they verified the information on their record. Sometimes the caller offers a bonus payment or a new Medicare card. The caller then asks for personal information such as the Social Security Number or bank information.
“If something about the call doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t legitimate,” Walker warned. She recommended people be very careful before giving out personal or financial information over the phone. “If you are not expecting a call from our staff and do not know the caller, do not give out any vital information,” Walker suggested. “Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to check out any questionable contacts.”
Another way scam artists get their information is through “phishing,” the use of e-mails that look like they come from Social Security. “Social Security won’t send you an e-mail asking for personal information,” Walker said.
Some scam artists have even knocked on the door, claiming to be from Social Security or Medicare and proceeding to ask for personal or bank information. Of course, there are times when Social Security may contact you to update your information. At such times, you will always receive prior notification from Social Security by mail or telephone before a personal visit is made. When in doubt, contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and the telephone representative can verify the identity of the Social Security employee who has contacted you.